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074. 7 .NS33AV.I4
Tha kitontriMar journal*
3 6105 048 971 480
- I A. (
NEW- YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
PUBLICATION FUND.
XIV.
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS.
EDWARD F. DE LANCEY,
WILLIAM LIBBEY,
GEORGE H. MOORE.
.•'.
: •.
• •• •
• •• •
• •••
• •••
• • •
•• ••
....
«
• .. ■
'•v;
... I
• ••
COLLECTIONS
OF THB
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
FOR THE YEAR
1881.
PUBLICATION FUND SERIES.
'. i . • V .
NEW YORK:
PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY.
MDCCCLXXXII.
I6356v
• « •
• •
• * • •
• • ••
Officers of the Society, i882.
•*••
PRESIDENT,
FREDERIC DE PEYSTER, LL.D.
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT,
HAMILTON FISH, LL.D
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT,
BENJAMIN H. FIELD
FOREIGN CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
JOHN W. DRAPER, LL.D.
DOMESTIC CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
EDWARD F. DE LANCEY.
RECORDING SECRETARY,
ANDREW WARNER.
TREASURER,
BENJAMIN B. SHERMAN
LIBRARIAN,
JACOB B. MOORE.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
FIRST CLASS — FOR TWO YEARS, ENDING 1 883.
JOHN TAYLOR JOHNSTON, ROBERT I^ENOX KENNEDY,
JOHN C. BARRON, M.D.,
SECOND CLASS — FOR THREE YEARS, ENDING 1884.
BENJAMIN H. FIELD, WILLIAM DOWD, :
GEORGE H. MOORE, LL.D.
THIRD CLASS — FOR FOUR YEARS, ENDING 1 885.
JOHN A. WEEKES, WILLIAM LIBBEY,
ROYAL PHELPS.
FOURTH CLASS — FOR ONE YEAR, ENDING 1 886.
EDWARD F. DE LANCEY, JACOB D. VERMILYE,
WILLARD PARKER, Jr., M.D.
JOHN A. WEEKES, Chairman,
JACOB B. MOORE, Secretary.
[The President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and librarian
are members, ex-officiOy of the Executive Committee.]
COMMITTEE ON THE FINE ARTS.
ASHER B. DURAND, DANIEL HUNTINGTON,
ANDREW WARNER, CEPHAS G. THOMPSON,
JOHN A. WEEKES, GEgRGE H. MOORE, LL. D.
ASHER B. DURAND, Chairman,
ANDREW WARNER, Secretary.
[The President, librarian, and Chairman of the Executive Com-
mittee are members, ex-officio^ of the Committee on the Fine Arts.]
THE MONTRESOR JOURNALS
EDITED AND ANNOTATED BY
G. D. SCULL
MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
INTRODUCTION
THE contents of this volume, forming the Collec-
tions for the Year 1881, will be found to be of great
interest and utility to the historical scholar in furnish^
ing a rich mass of original information respecting the
history of America during the eventful period from
1757 to 1779. In the form of personal narrative by
actual participants, they cast a new light upon many
of the most important occurrences of the French and
Indian War afid the War of the A7nerican Revolu-
tion, including the capture of Fort William Hefiry,
the sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec, tfie expulsion of
the Acadians, the expedition of Bradstreet, the Stamp
Act disturbances of 1765- 1766, and the important
operations of the Revolution during 1 777-1 778.
The journals which are here reproduced with literal
fidelity and as far as possible without any modifca'
tion in other respects, which would lessen their historic
value, comprise those of Col. James Montresor from^
1757 to 1759, and those of his son, Capt. John Mon-
TREsoR/r^w ly^y to 1 778, two able and energetic officers
of the Engineer Corps of Great Britain, whose skill,
bravery, and fidelity were identified with many of the
important works of defence erected by that nation in
this country during the last century, with its plans of
military operation, with the hardships of pioneer ser-
vice and Indian warfare, and with the heat of conflict
in many a stubbornly contested siege and battle.
XU INTRODUCTION.
The original nia7tuscripts from which these journals
have been furnished are preserved among the fa *tily
records of Col,. Henry Edward Montresor, of Stonely
Grange, Huntingdonshire, Efigland, with whose kind
permission they were transcribed for publication in
the Society's Collections by its valtied correspondifig
associate, G. D. Scull, Esq., of Oxford, Epigland. In
making this important historical material available to
the student of our 7iations annals, the Committee for
themselves and the Society they represent acknowledge
the courtesy of Colonel Montresor and the efficient ser-
vices of their associate, Mr. Scull, who in faithfully
copying and annotating the originals and placing the
result of his valuable labors at the disposal of the Com-
mittee, has manifested a conti7iuance of that scholarly
care and zeal which has hitherto characterized his fib le
researches into the history of his native land.
New York, January, 1882.
'A
CONTENTS.
PACK
I. FAMILY OF MONTRESOR, i
II. JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR,
1757-1759-
1. From April 20 to October 12, 1757, . 11
II. From August 19, to September 21, 1757,
Saratoga, 41
III. From October 12, 1757, to April 9, 1758, 45
IV. From April 1 to July 31, 1759, . 65
V. From August i to December 31, 1759, . 86
III. JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR,
1757-1778-
I. Notes AND Memoranda, • 115
II. Fort Edward, 1757, 148
III. Siege OF LouiSBOURG, 1758, . 151
IV. Rout from Louisbourg to Lake Labra-
dor, 1759, 188
V. Siege of Quebec, 1759, • • .196
VI. Expedition to Les Prairies de la Mag-
dalene, 1760, 236
VII. Bradstreet's Expedition to Niagara
AND Detroit, 1764, . . .252
VIII. Albany and New York, Stamp Act Dis-
turbances, 1765, 322
IX. Report on the Site of Fort Orange,
Albany, 1766, . . . . ^ 393
X. Notes on Fort Castle William, Boston,
1770, 399
XIV CONTENTS.
PACK
XL Remarks on the Navigation of Long
Island Sound, 177 i, .... 410
• XII. Notes on Mud Fort or Fort Mifflin,
1771* 414
XIII. Fords ACROSS THE Schuylkill River, 1777, 419
XIV. From January i, 1777, to Dec. 24, 1778, . 420
IV. APPENDIX.
I. List of Engineers, 1759, . . . -523
II. Abstract of Col. James Montresor's Ac-
counts WITH THE Crown, . . .524
III. Letter of Capt. John Montresor to Sir
Jeffry Amherst, 1760, .... 524
IV. Bradstreet's Treaty of Peace, 1764, . 526
V. Letters of Col. Alexander Leslie to
Gen. Haldimand, 1773, .... 531
VI. Return of Staff Officers, Engineer
Corps, 1777, 534
VII. Captain Montresor and the Auditor's
Office in London, .... 534
INDEX, 545
I.
FAMILY OF MONTR^SOR,
FAMILY OF MONTRfiSOR.
The Le Tresors, or Montr^sors, were a very old
French Huguenot family, who derived their descent
from Hugues Le Tresor or Hugo Thesaurius, a Treas-
urer of the Duchy of Normandy, as well as of Eng-
land, which office he and his descendants held for
many generations. He accompanied William Courte-
hose, Duke of Normandy, in the First Crusade in
1096. His descendants held the family estates in
Normandy for many generations. After the Edict of
Nantes, the progenitor of the English family, James
le Tresor, fled fro.n France to England, but eventually
returned to his native country and died in Paris, May
15, 1688.
His son, James Gabriel, of Thurland Hall, near
Nottingham, was born in Caen, Normandy, but natur-
alized by Act of Parliament (12th William IIL). He
was a Major in the Twenty-first Regiment of Foot,
and Lieutenant-Governor of Fort William, in Scot-
land, where he died January 22, 1724. He married
Nanon de Hautville, daughter of Colonel de Hautville,
of Normandy, but in the service of England. He
commanded a troop of General Monk's Horse Grena-
dier Guards that conducted the seven bishops to the
Tower (temp. Jac. IL). James Gabriel Montr^sor,
son of the above, was born in the parish of St. James,
Westminster, London, in the year 1709. He entered
the army, and was present at Gibraltar at the tak-
ing of that fortress in 1727. He reached the rank of
Colonel, and became the second engineer in England.
Early in 1757 he was ordered to America, where he
• ••
• •
• •
,• •
• •.
'!•*•
••4'-
FAMILY OF MONTR]&SOR.
planned and built several fortifications in the province
of New York. His first wife, to whom he was mar-
ried in Gibraltar, was Mary, daughter of Robert Has-
well,* (master attendant of the royal dockyard at
Gibraltar,) and born at Portsmouth. After her death in
London, in 1761, he remarried, August 25, 1766, Har-
riet, daughter of Henry Fielding, Esquire, and niece
of Sir John Fielding, Knight. His third wife was
Frances, daughter of H. Nickolls. Esquire. By his
journals it would appear that he remained in America
during the years 1757, 1758, and 1759, and before he
returned to England early in 1760 had reached the
rank of ** Chief Engineer in the Provinces." He died
at New Gardens, in the parish of Teynham, Kent,
January 6, 1776.
John, his eldest son, was born April 6, 1736, at
Gibraltar. He served as assistant engineer under his
father at Gibraltar for four years, and was gazetted as
ensign and chief engineer (October 28, 1754) under
General Braddock, for his expedition against Fort
du Quesne. He sailed December 24, 1754, with the
General, and was wounded in the engagement with
the French and Indians July 9, 1755, receiving, five
days before, his promotion to a lieutenancy in the
Forty-eighth Regiment. From 1755 to 1762 he was
actively and widely engaged in his department as
engineer and surveyor in Canada and Nova Sco-
tia (Acadia) and the Middle British Provinces. He
eventually published a map of Acadia in London. He
was at the siege of Louisbourg from its commence-
ment, in 1758, and at the capitulation of Quebec in
1759, and it is to his talent as an artist that we are
* Robert Haswell had also two sons, Robert and William, both in the
Royal Navy. Lieutenant William Haswell was the father of Susanna,
better known as Mrs. Rowson, who married, in 1786, Wm. Rowson, leader
of the band of the Royal Guards. In 1793 Mr. and Mrs. Rowson came to
reside in America. She died in Boston, March 2, 1824, and was the
writer of numerous works of fiction, etc., etc. Her novel of ** Charlotte
Temple " had the largest sale. In it she assures her readers that with
only an alteration in the names of the characters the whole story ** is
almost literally true."
FAMILY OF M0NTR6S0R. 5
indebted for an excellent likeness in profile of General
Wolfe, taken *' in his camp at Montmorenci, near
Quebec, September i, 1759."* In 1760 and 1761 we
find him engaged in two scouts across Maine, carry-
ing despatches for Brigadier- General Murray, and in
other services on the river St. Lawrence, and in sur-
veying, etc. In 1763 he relieved Major Henry Glad-
win and the garrison at Fort d'Etroit with provi-
sions, when they were closely besieged by the Indian
chieftain, Pontiac. In 1764 Lieutenant Montresor
was ordered to construct a series of redoubts at the
Portage of Niagara before the arrival of troops under
Major-General Bradstreet, on his way to make a treaty
of peace with the Indians. In 1765 he was engaged
in some negotiations at Albany for the removal of old
government buildings and the re-erection of others,
and was stationed at Fort George, in New York,
during the disturbances incident upon the operation in
that city of the obnoxious Stamp Act He married
in New York, March i, 1764, Frances, only child of
Thomas Tucker, Esquire, of Bermuda, a lieutenant
in the army (whose head was shot off by a cannon-
ball in an engagement in 1745). Frances Montresor
was born April 23, 1744, at New York, and survived
her husband, dying at Rose-hill, near Sittingbourne,
Kent, June 28, 1826.
From November, 1766, Lieutenant Montresor had
leave of absence for six months to proceed to Eng-
land, and the winter of 1769-70 he passed in New
Providence, Bermuda. In 1770 he was engaged in
repairing Fort Castle William at Boston, and some
works at New York. In 1771 he planned and laid
out the fortification at Mud Island, in the Delaware
below Philadelphia. In 1772 and 1773 he was princi-
pally employed in and around Boston and New York,
and in 1774 made an extensive tour to the posts on
the Northern Lakes and returned to Boston, where
•This was afterward mezzotinted and published, July 30, 1783, by B.
Killingbeck, Dover Street, London.
6 FAMILY OF MONTR^SOR.
he was actively engaged in his professional duties
until the evacuation of the town by the British, in
March, 1776. From Halifax he proceeded with the
army to New York, and from thence with Lord and
Sir William Howe up the Chesapeake and on to
Philadelphia, where he at once commenced on the
necessary fortifications for the security of the city, and
also the works for the reduction of Mud Fort, or Fort
Mercer. Lieutenant Montresor was the principal
engineer during the occupation of Boston and New
York by the British troops, with the exception of a
short interval, when he was superseded by Major
Dixon, on which occasion General Howe appointed
him on his staff as one of his aidede-camps. On Ma-
jor Dixon's return to England, Captain Montresor, (for
he had received promotion,) resumed his former posi-
tion as engineer, and was, December 18, 1775, n^ade
by George IIL " Chief Engineer of America." He was
present in May, 1776, and acted as one of the man-
agers of the celebrated ball, called the ** Mischianza,"
which was given by the British officers to Sir William
Howe in Philadelphia on the eve of his departure for
England He had charge of the fireworks and ball-
room decorations, and was accompanied on that occa-
sion by Miss Auchmuty, one of the half-sisters of Mrs.
Montresor, whose mother had remarried the Rev.
Samuel Auchmuty, D.D., of New York, whose young-
est son Samuel rose to great distinction in the British
army, whilst the two elder brothers became American
subjects. Captain Montresor returned to England in
1778 with his family, and shortly afterward retired
from the army. In 1779, at the request of General
Sir William Howe, he gave evidence before a Parlia-
mentary Committee to investigate the conduct of the
war in America, when he fully described the fortifica-
tions around Brooklyn and their strength. Captain
Montresor had purchased, November 7, 1772, an isl-
and near Harlem and eight miles from New York,
called Belle Isle, formerly Little Barn Island, and
FAMILY OF M0NTR6S0R. ^
after Talbot's I'^land. Since his purchase it has
been known as Montr^sor's, and as Randell's Island.
He and his family lived on it during the British as-
cendancy in New York, until all the buildings and
outhouses were burnt, January 13, 1777. Eight out
of the ten children of Captain and Mrs. Montr^sor
were born in New York. Three of these, sons, died
there, having been buried in " the Nickolls family
vault" in the city. The eldest surviving son. Sir
Henry Tucker,* rose to the rank of General, became,
in 1820, a K. C. B., and died in 1837. John, his next
brother, was a Lieutenant-Colonel under the Duke of
Wellington in India, and died unmarried at Penang
in 1805. Thomas Gage Montr^sor also became a
General and died in 1853. William Robert, also in
the army, died at Gibraltar, unmarried.
After his return to England, Captain Montr^sor ob-
tained the rank of Colonel. In October, 1785, he went
on the Continent with his family and remained over a
year, visiting France, Germany, and Switzerland. In
June, 1786, he is at Berne, Switzerland, and writes
from that place to his old friend and comrade, General
Sir Frederick Haldimand, excusing himself for having
missed seeing him at his home at Yverdun and says
further : " My two eldest sons remain on this Continent
one year after us to finish their military exercises and
studies, and to attend the Prussian reviews. Their
residence for the next winter will be chiefly at Vienna."
Colonel John Montr^sor resided at Belmont, Kent, and
Portland Place, London, where his death occurred
June 26, 1799. Colonel James Gabriel, his father,
♦ This distinguished officer (the father of Colonel Henry Edward
Montr^sor, the present head of the family,) was born at New York April
18, 1767, and died March 10, 1837. In 1795 he was Lieutenant-Colonel
in the Eighteenth Foot, in 1796 removed to the Royal Anglo-Corsican
Corps and actively employed in Corsica. He embarked for Elba, of
which island he was made Commandant. He landed in Egypt in 1801,
and was present at all the memorable actions and received a gold medal
for the capture of Alexandria. In Italy, in 18 14, he successfully op-
posed General Muraf s motions. He was a thorough disciplinarian and
enjoyed a high reputation for courage and skill.
8 FAMILY OF MONTR6sOR.
was on intimate terms with Copley,- the artist, who
painted the portraits of his son John and his wife, their
daughters Frances and Mary Lucy, who married, in
1801, Lieutenant-General Frederick Wm. Mulcaster,
and of Lieutenant- Colonel John Montr^sor, who died
in India in 1805. The portraits of Colonel John and
Mrs. Montr&or are especially noteworthy as fine ex-
amples of Copley's best manner. Mrs. Montresor's
portrait is a three-quarters length in profile, with black
hat and feathers, and a scarlet coat with military cut
and trimmings.
During Colonel Montresor's service in America he
kept journals and made notes of the different expedi-
tions in which he was engaged. Some of these have
been lost, notably the record of the Braddock defeat.
Indeed, considering the risks to which his papers,
during his wide and extended service in America, had
been exposed, it is surprising that any of them should
have been preserved. Many of his maps, plans of for-
tifications, etc., were destroyed in the fire in New York
in September, 1776 ; others were lost when the express
and despatch schooner, the Alert, was captured by
the Americans. And again he laments both the death
of " my very valuable friend and ever-to-be lamented
Harry Monckton,"* who "fell in the action [Mon-
mouth], and what adds to the misfortune — no tidings
of my papers, both public and private." During his
residence in America he lost his baggage six times ;
his house and property on Montresor's Island, and
dwelling and store-houses on Cruger s Wharf were
destroyed by fire. In England he suffered in the same
way, for his country house at Belmont, Kent, was
burnt, and the house of his eldest son, in the same
county, many years after was also consumed, and some
of his journals bear marks of this fire about them,
having been snatched from a burning cupboard, in
which they were stored.
• Brother of General Monckton.
II.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR,
1757-1759.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
L
Journals and Note Books of Col. James Montresor
Engineer in "America From the 20^" of April
TO THE 12™ OF October 1757" and thus en-
dorsed BY John Montresor, ** My father's
Journal Co"- Ja' Montresor — J M "
N« I.
JL s. d.
For Scaling Ladders, Mantelets and Chev- ) a t -
aux de Frize ) '^' '^
To 100 Intrenching wheelbarrows 118. 3. o
For Sundry Stores for the Expedition. . . 396. i. o
For Stores for Fort Edward 307. 5. 8
For ditto for Fort William Henry 55.14. 4
Shingles for the works at Albany 81. o. o
Bricks for d** 558. o. o
For Freight of shingles & bricks 1 00. o. o
739- Q' o
1852. 5. 5
To money advanced by M' Dies to the ]
Carpenter & Sawyer and for those that \ 200
went to Fort Edward J
Paid L' Williams for money advanced by |
him in carrying on the work at Albany, j ^^* ^' ^
;^239^5. 9
Received a warrant for ;^iooo.
Bill for ^360 currency. . 360 — 1360.
12 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
1757
April 20. To M' Cartwright per bill drawn ^
on me per Engineer Gordon, ! o 3
on ace* of Paym** made at Fort j • • *
Edward, dated April 9. 1757. j
20*** To M' Cartwright per bill in fa-
vour of Harvey Gordon, drawn )- 12. o. o
on me per L' Montresor. . . .
20*^ Paid as above in the whole to
M*^ Cartwright in the following
specie
7 Doubloons at 5.16 = ;^40.i2.o
I half Johannes 3. 3 = 3. 3.0
1 do moidore i. 3 = i. 3.0
2 coppers 0.2
/44.18.2
2.10. o
April 2 1 . To widow Rutgers clerk for Beer. 5.1.3
To John Lansing for Freight of
Iron for the works at Albany.
24. To Lewis Wright my servant
his wages for 6 months besides 5- 9. 1 2. o
some things owed to him .... )
n a
(f
it
26 To M*^ Bayard's clerk per bill )
200. o. o
drawn by M"" Mendez on me for
May 2°.'* Rec^ from M' Hawkins for 50^
sterl. in Dollars 214 Doll" f .
amounting in currency to
Dr. Paid for House rent 75 dollars. 30. o. o
" do for Sundry washinor lodol- )
lars ^. " } 4. o. o
May 4. To M" Demler for to buy Pro- j ,
• • • ^u T 1 11 ^ 16. o. o
visions in the Jersey 40 dollars )
" D' To a Carpenter before M' Mortier )
for a voider and Knife boxes. . j ' *
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
13
it
((
((
it
it
tt
ft
(t
13-
16
A/a^ 6. To the house 3 dollars
4 (The Barber began with me^.
7 For Handkerchief, Mustard, and )
Thread 3 dollars )
To Harry, for his writing school \
2 dolls' f
To the wages of the maid 3 doll* .
To wood, I cord & carriage 4 doll"
To M' Lamb for Parralels &"....
18. " M' Lambs ace' for Instruments
made & Mended amounting in
currency to ;^49. 13. o
To M' Noel for Sta- )
tionary &*" j
To M' Gould for Im- [
perial Paper ) ^'
per Receipts ;^6o. 7. o
Paid of M' Williams ace'
John Vaness Wag- )
goner at Fort >• 27. 19. loj
Wm Henry )
Forrage Stopt 3. 4. i^
John Hemstreat 8. 5. o
I. 4. o
I.
4.
0
16.
0
I.
4-
0
I.
8.
0
2.
8.
0
39' 9' Q
Afay 2 1** For towelling
22** Paid M' Demler on ace' of his
€€
<t
i€
\
2.16. 8
12. o. o
pay per Receipt
21" Rec*^ from Cap' MacNeill being]
the ballance of ;^ 102 rec** for >• ^8. 9.
the works at the German flats )
21" Rec*^ a warrant from Lord Lou-""
doun for 219^ 3" 4** N. York
currency for disbursements
made by Major Eyre in work
done by the 44* & 28* Reg*"
and paid in to Major Eyre . . . ^
r 219- 3- 4
H
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
((
«(
((
((
( (
( (
((
ti
H
i (
II
May 22"** Signed 2 Receipts & Endorsed )
the Warrant for the said sum . j
'* 23^ p* Ensign Webb of the 48* Reg^ j
for work done at Saratoga per >• 34. 6. 6
vouchers for the same J
*' 24* Rec^ from M"* Hawkins the Bal-^
lance of my pay Forrage, Bag-
gage, Firing & Instruments ^ 405. 5. o
and Stationary Paid him lOO;^
I owed him ^
25*^ Wrote to the Board.
24^** Paid Myers the Braziers bill for [
Sundrys | ^'
25'^ Paid M' Furnis for what Mr" j
Montresor took from M' Bev- l-
erley Robinson on Note )
25. Paid for chocolate 25 w'
26. Paid M' Willyams for Bisket &c
&c
27. To Serj' Lord per certificate for
him & others for work done
at Fort W"" Henry ii;^ 15 in
Curr*=y
27. To Nathan Symonds for him &"^
others for work done at Fort
W*" Henry ;^3.7.o Sterl« am''
in curr*^ ^
27. To M' Van Horn's clerk for M' ]
Toye for Bricks made at Fort >• 16.16. o
Edward )
2 7. To the Butcher per receipt
27. To M'' Clarkson for Callico for )
lining my Tent j
28. To M*^ Gilchrist Taylor for Sun- ) ^
drys bought & made ) ^'
28. To the Armourers . 13. o
28 To the Shoemaker 2. 10. o
28. To Teacups and Saucers i. 4. o
50. o. o
1. 13. 4
4. o. o
y 18.16. o
5- 7. 2
8. 4. 6
7. 4. o
<(
4 t
tl
t(
i I
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 1 5
Afay 3a To paid M' Clements for Screens ) t t r g
& work done j * ^'
30. To the Brewer .16.0
30. To the drawing Master 2. o. o
30. To M' Mortier for M' Laroux the ) 1 ^ t g
silver smith his bill j ^* ' "
31. To Mr" Mortier for sheeting.. . . 3.19. 4
31. For Jack Montresor to a Carpen- ) g
ter for a Table j
•* 31. To Levi for Candles & sundrys . 6. 6. o
J^une i" To Gilbert Ash Carpenter for )
Sundry Jobs to my things. . . . j ^'
*' 2°^ Gave 2 half Johannes to Mr* j
Montresor & left her Four > 166. 6. o
hundred dollars )
*' 2"** Paid M' Demler for Powder & )
Shott that he Bought j '^^' ^
ti 2"** To Ebert my servant to pay for
a matrass 3.3.0 and took the 2. o. o
above Serv' June i" at the rate
of ;^30 Currency per Annum,
nothing else mentioned except
giving him cloaths if he de-
served them.
•' 2"** Set out from New York at 10 o'clock in the
morning & went over to Hobock where we dined. A
violent gust of wind at 4 o'clock in the afternoon at
N E, notwithstanding went on board at 6 o'clock,
weighed anchor & got as far as within 3 miles of the
Younkers & anchored.
Friday 3*! Weighed at 10 o'clock in the morning
& got near Ver Plancks to the N E of the Tapan Sea
by 2 o'clock. Anchored near the Dans Camber.
Saturday 4. Weighed with the Tide & anchor"^ near
Kinderhook.
Sunday ^^ Breakfasted at Kinderhook. Calm, went
on board at 1 1 o'clock in the morning, and anchored
within four miles of Albany there not being water
enough on the Overslaw.
1 6 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
6* Came to Albany between 8 and 9 o'clock in the
morning. Waited on Gen* Webb and dined with
him.
7* Gen* Webb sent to me to dine with him, which I
did. Orders from him to prepare what is necessary
for the defence of the Forts &?
8* Dined at home.
9* Dined with Gen* Webb & received orders to send
M' Demler, Saturday morning with Stores to Fort
Edward and Fort W™ Henry. Wrote to Mrs Mon-
tresor by the Post.
June 10, 1757. Wrote to Mrs Montresor & sent
the valise with bedding back by Hogan.
II* Dined with Gen* Webb. M" Demler set out
for the Forts.
12* Dined with Gen* Webb by invitation and
supped.
13* Dined at home. Rec"* 2 letters from Mrs
Montresor & Mortier.
14^** Dined at home. Wrote Mr" Mortier & Mrs
Montresor but missed the Post.
15* Sent the above letters by a Sloop. Dined at
Gen* Webb's.
16* Dined at the coffee House. Wrote to Mrs
Montresor by the Post in answer to hers.
1 7* Went to the Cohoes by the River side from
thence to the Ferry. Surveyed it and came home by
the New Road to Albany.
18* Dined at home. Went by Message from the
Mayor to the Council room about the Work to be
done to the Town, they agreed that they would dig
the Trench for the Ditch to put in the Stockades and
when that was finished they would move as far as lay
in their power. Agreed, that, we should square and
point the Stockades. Acquainted General Webb of
this in the Pasture.
19* Dined at General Webb's.
Monday 20* M' & Mrs Mortier, Montresor and
Miss Betsy came from New York here & landed about
' No. I Page 17
f^*^^^.-
^o . Jpitt«« ^•«tf«J«'»T'
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 1 7
ID o'clock, having dined at Hobok only the Saturday
before. Dined at the Coffee house & Supped.
Tuesday — 21^ Went to Camp. Gave an order for
Mantelets, ladders, Chevaux de Frize, Sand bags,
Hammers ^ for the Forts W" Henry & E^.
22".* Rec*^ from M' Turner on account of a War-
rant for 1000^ sterling viz'
27 Bills of ^lo. o. o 270. o. o
62 do of 5. o. o 310. o. o
2 do of 4. o. o 8. a o
357 half Johannes at ;^3. 3. o . . 1 124. 11. o
4 dollars at 8. 1.12. o
Silver 2. 8
1714- 5- 8
June, 22"** Wednesday. Paid M' Dies on ace' of
the works at Albany in New York bills. . .;^270. o. o
Thursday 23^? Left Albany at 8 o'clock in the
morning with Gen* Webb, Major Morris, Capt Bart-
man, Mess" Adair, Pitcher &c, Furnis. Arrived at
the half Moon at 1 2 & baited there & dined. Set out
again at 3 arrived at Still water at half past 7. Visited
the ground for the post both at Half Moon & Still
water. At the former it must be on a rising ground
to the North of the House where we dined and the
store house on the Point, raised 3 feet on Posts for
fear of an Innundation, at the latter the Post to be on
the Burying ground.
Friday 24"^ Set out at 7 o'clock in the morning &
arrived at Saratoga at 12. Dined there, examined a
French Prisoner & visited a Post, and found that the
storehouse must be built on the Point, raised 3 or 4
feet from the Ground. Set out at 3 and arrived at
^past seven. At Fort Edward lay on M"^ Demler's
Bedding in his room.
Saturday 25* Dined at Best. Visited the Encamp-
ment & Surveyed for a line. Supped with the Gen-
eral. Lay at M' Gordons.
£ s d
J- 703. o. o
18 JOURNALS OF COL, JAMES MONTRESOR.
Sunday 26. Dined with the General. Went out &
visited the Ground for a line.
Monday 27* Surveyed & set out the Line.
Tuesday 28. Began the line with 100 men, and
fascined up to the height of the Banquettes at the
East Curtine. Sent 100 men in the woods to cut
Fascines.
Wednesday 29'^ Continued the work and almost
finished the Ditch of the East Curtine.
Thursday 30*** Brought up part of the S E Flank
with 2 Embrasures and continued the Ditch.
July. Friday i*.* Paid M*^ Gordon 700;^ Currency
in 222 half Johannes and 14 shillings for^
the works at Fort Edward as per the Re-
ceipt At between i & 2 o'clock in the
afternoon an Express came from Captain
Putnam that he lay in ambush at South Bay^
& that as 2 or 300 French Indians were coming in
boats he waited for them & gave them a fire which
wounded & killed several, that they landed in order
to surround him & that he gave another fire & was
retreating on which the General ordered a Party of
300 Men Commanded by Gen^ Lyman with Ensign
Brown & 36 Regulars of Otways. Cap' Putnam came
back with his Party at 7 o'clock at night having left 15
men to take care of three wounded men.
July 2".** Saturday 1757. Marked out Ground
for two Pickets to the Right and left of the Camp of
100 men each.
Sunday — 3"^ Worked only | of a day for the Rain.
Dined at the General's. Four deserters (Germans)
came in from Carillon. Examined them all four, and
found that the substance of their Information was, that
Marquis Montcalm was still at Montreal with one
Batallion of Languedoc about 150 Marines & the
sick not fit for service. That he was expected at Ca-
rillon w'** that Batallion 500 Indians & as many Cana-
dians as he can muster, with the Batallion of La Saare
at S' Johns, and the two of Beare & Rousillon at Ca-
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 1 9
rillon, with the Cannon & Mortars there, to attack
our Forts. But hearing that we had a Fleet of 80
vessels in the River S' Lawrence which stops the
communication, he had not marched so soon as was
thought. That they were repairing all their Forts &
facing up with stone that at Carillon, that they had 40
Cannon at Crown Point & that number mounted in &
out of Carillon. I drew a rough sketch of the infor-
mation given.
Monday 4*, General Lyman came in but saw no
Enemy, found one of the remains of the people that
was scalped & mangled of Putnam's Party. Their
Guides could not find the place but carried them to
East bay. Paid M' Best for my self and ser- ) ;^ s d
vants messing with him this day included. ... j 3. 6. 10
Rec*^ a letter from Mrs Montresor and M' Dies.
Tuesday 5* Rec*^ a letter from M*^ Dies. Wrote to
Mrs Montresor by the Post. Rained all day.
Wednesday 6* Report of a French officer having
introduced himself between 9 & 10 o'clock at Night
in the front of the Camp & entered into conversation
ijvith a Rhode Island soldier who had been at the
necessary about the strength of the Line & whether
the Cannon was mounted there & how many in the
Fort & told the soldier if he would come from the
Centrys into the woods he would give him money.
He threatened him & the lad said he would cry out
and made his escape, he was drest in blue trim'd up
ivith white & had a sword.
Thursday July 7*** 1757. Set out part of the line
next to the Right of the Camp. Paid Keech for the
York carpenters in part of their pay 39 half Johannes
;^i22.i7.o as per their receipts ;^i2i.io. o
Paid Hebert in part of his wages, one half
Johannes 3. 3. o
Paid for milk and bread this day included . 5. 6
Friday. 8* ColP Young came here at 8 o'clock in
the evening. Received a letter from Mrs. Montresor
and Mendez.
20 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Saturday 9* M' Pitcher set out this morning for
Albany with two letters of mine for Mrs Montresor
and M*" Dies. Gave an order to M' Dies for paying
John Felthousen carpenter at F* Edward his pay with
16 days going up & down being his full demand,
amounting in New York Currency to £\\.\^. o
The Stores with a letter from Albany from M' Dies,
came in late.
Sunday 10* The Mohawk Indians brought in a
French Prisoner taken at Crown Point. Brought ace'
that Mons' moncalm was coming & that they had 6
Battalions in all with 300 vessells & all the Cannon
taken at Ohio and Oswego. Sent a letter for M' Dies
with one enclosed for Mrs Montresor.
Monday \V^ Express cdme from Fort W" Henry
that the Party that was sent from F' Edward to South
Bay had been attacked by 200 of the Ennemy, and had
been forced into Fort W"" Henry with the loss of sev-
eral of the Party with one Lieu' killed. Dined and
supped with General Webb.
Tuesday \i^ Rec** letters from Mrs Montresor &
M' Dies w'** news about our Fleet Wrote to M' Bar-
ons & inclosed one to mrs montresor. Paid Hebert
2 dollars to clear accounts for this day included & owes
me 4 shillings, 6 pence. Paid Best for myself )
Servant and Extraordinarys this day included ) ' ^
Wednesday 13* Cap' Putnam with a Scouting party
of 100 men went out this morning and sent about 8
o'clock a man in to acquaint the General that his Party
had seen about 25 of the Ennemy in a Swamp about 4
miles off, but he came in soon afterwards himself with
an account that they had escaped.
Thursday 14. July 1757. Paid Jacob ^
Long N Y carpenter discharged being
sick his full wages amounting to ;^i9.io. v rr r^ q
Due on that to M' Dies ;^2.i6. Cash { '
paid him at F! Edward £^ = £7.16. Re-
mains due and paid him
Dined at General Webbs.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 21
Friday 15^ Gave a Plan with Profile of a Float to
Captain Ingersoll to be erected for the Lake. Rec**
letters from Mrs Montresor, Mortier, with one en-
closed to him from M' Dies also the newspapers.
Saturday 16* Answered Mrs Montresors letter
and wrote to M' Dies but not on his last letter for
want of time. M' Demler dined with me at the
mess.
Sunday 17. L* Oughterlony dined with me at the
mess.
Monday 18. Dined with Cap' Littler in his camp.
Tuesday 19* Rec** a letter from my wife and one in-
closed from M" Hunter to her. Wrote to Mrs Mon-
tresor also to M' Dies with a warrant inclosed for
;^iooo for carrying on the Works at Albany (Re-
ceived this day from Major Gen* Webb also, the out-
• line of the stockade at Albany sent to be executed by,
per post Dined at General Webbs.
Wednesday 20* Visited the Hill to the North of the
Fort to the East of the Road of Fort W" Henry &
found it about 50 feet high from the Plain, about 30 or
40 feet higher than the Fort & 1 700 feet from the an-
gle of the line of the Retrenchment
Thursday 21V Deserter from the Americans Exe-
cuted this morning at 8 o'clock. About 9 a Ranger
came in from his party consisting of a Lieu' and 40
men, that was sent on a scout towards South Bay,
where the Ennemy lay in ambush for them, killed
the Lieu' & 3 men. Some time afterwards the Ser-
jeant & 27 men. who ran away, came in. The rest
missing still. Came home except the Lieu'. An ac-
count from Fort W°* Henry that 2 of Cap' M'^Ginnis
party were brought in wounded, by a serjeant. That
he had killed four of the Ennemy, and was out still on
the scout.
Friday. 22*! Dined at Gen^ Webb's. Received let-
ters from Mrs Montresor, Mess" Baron & Dies with
several inclosed from England which came by the
Packet from Falmouth.
22 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Saturday July 23*^. 1757. Wrote to Mrs Montresor
& inclosed the letters she sent me from M' Bodding-
ton & Lucy, also wrote again to my wife & to Mess"
Barons & Dies with an ace* of a body of French In-
dians mostly Otawas by the arrows that were found,
that attacked our carpenters and their covering party,
consisting of 80 in the woods not half a mile from the
Fort at 9 o'clock this morning just as our troop beat
for Guard mounting. At the first Firing the Provin-
cials Sc"" ran without any order in the woods like a mob
to their assistance, but believe that they did the ad-
vance party mischief by firing before they had come
up to them. The Piquet also advanced & Gen* Ly-
man with another body went also. The Ennemy re-
treated after having killed & scalped one Serj', i Cor-
poral & 10 men & wounded a few others. Cap'
Putnam with his Rangers went in Pursuit of them, &
came in the next day, having discovered an Encamp-
ment of about 5 or 600 men near Fort Ann.
Sunday 24. Wrote to M^ Dies & sent a certificate
& order for paying ;^23.i2.6 to Henry Gullian Sen*"
New York, carpenter discharged & signed & re-
ceipted. Paid MicheF Tannare & Wharton Rutless
5;^ each on ace' of their work at Fort Edward. New
York Carpenters ;^io.o. o
This day began to receive orders from the Artillery.
Dined at General Webbs. At 10 o'clock at night came
an ace' that Col^ Parker with his Party that had gone
out from F' W°* to Ticonderoga & whether the En-
nemy had way laid him or been advised of his com-
ing but a party of the Ennemy at his landing attacked
him both on the Lake and by land that he has lost
several officers and 250 out of 300 he took out and 24
whaleboats.
Monday 25* Set out from F' Edward at 6 o'clock
in the morning & arrived at Fort W*" Henry between
3 & 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Stop't at the Half
Way Run, agreed on a post there on the South Side
of the Run on the East of the Road about 50 yards.
No. 2 Page 23
X
^(r-jfi.
^v
Cat . J»«««c« ,AUH«.Wtf <» o<'
JOURNALS OF COL- JAMES MONTRESOR. 23
Lay at M' Williamson's Quarters. Supped with the
General,
Tuesday 26* Visited with Coll"* Young, Johnson's
Camp, & seemed to come to a resolution to form a
Camp on it, rentrenched.
r
\JourncLl (25* July to Aug* 6. 1757) of Col. James
Montr esor, on a loose sheet of paper found among
his papers^
That the 25* of July set out for Fort W" Henry
with the General.
26* Visited the Governor where Sir W" Johnson
was in 1755 ^^ form a camp on, and Intrenchment.
27*** On a council of War, Came to several Resolu-
tions, in respect to the defence of this place, and traced
out the Ground for the new camp, had an ace' of the
Ennemy being seen in small bodies on the West
side of the Lake.
28* Set out the Intrenchments & order d it to be
executed according to the Plan giveq by me.
29*^ Set out from the s** Fort with the Gen* & came
to Fort Edward, (note The camp on which the Troop-
ers were encamped on, being under a hill near the
woods & liable to be cut off from the Fort.
August 2°.** A detachment of 1000 men with artillery,
was sent from thence to reinforce Fort W™ Henry &
throw themselves in the Intrenchment. The same
night they arrived. Part of the ennemy landed at
about i^ miles from the Fort & that same night in-
vested the Place with their Canadians & Indians &
lined both sides of the road from Fort Edward with
them.
August 3'? Above 300 boats were seen on the Lake
by 5 o clock in the morning, with their Cannon &^ those
that carried them were Planked on two boats from
which .they fir d on the Fort but at too great a dis-
tance— their Indians fired all day on the Intrenchment
and Fort \
24 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
August 4'^ Began to work on the i*5 Battery and
continued all night. The Indians keeping a continual
fire from behind logs.
August 5'^ The Ennemy continued their work in
finishing their Battery, during which time the mus-
quettry kept a continual fire. ^
August 6* Early in the morning the Ennemy opened
their Battery of ten guns and play'd very briskly till
ID o'clock.
Wednesday 27. July. 1757. Sat on a Sort of Coun-
cil of War — i" To know whether there was vessels
sufficient to oppose the French on the water. 2"**
What number of men was sufficient to defend the Fort
and oppose the Ennemy in case of a Descent 3"*
Whether a Camp on Fort W°* Henry, Johnson's
Ground and the West Ground, or one Camp alone on
the retrench'd of Johnson's.
Answer to Question i. not sufficiency of vessells.
do do 2. two thousand men.
do do 3. One camp alone.
Wrote 3 letters, one to Mrs Montresor & Mess"
Demler & Dies. Visited the above Ground & shewed
it to M*^ Lesly for Encamping the troops w*"** are to be
taken from the West Ground.
Thursday 28* The Troops encamped on the West
Ground marched this morning on their East Ground
next Johnson's Camp. Visited the Fort with Coll**
Young & ordered that the store house should be taken
down & the Communication stopt with the embrasure
made up for musquetry. The Place of Arms to be
stockaded properly. The top of the Magazine to be
pared off, & sand put over it, also the funnells or air
holes stop' with sand & bags. The Banquetts made
up & several Embrasures to be made for Musquetry.
The advance work to be taken down & the Earth
sloped down. The East Bastion raised one Log,
agreed also for proper Signals between this Fort and
Fort Edward.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 25
Friday 29* Set out from Fort W" Henry at 12
o'clock with Gen* Webb &S arrived at the Half wav at
3. Met the Carpenter going up, that I had wrote for,
to carry on the work there. Arrived at Fort Edward
at 7 o'clock. No Extraordinays, found letter from
Mess" Turner & Dies and one from Mrs Montresor
with the papers.
Saturday 30*** Signed 3 receipts for ;^iooo for the
above sum per Warrant of Gen* Webb's & sent them
to M' Turner having wrote to him, & enclosed them,
also wrote to Mr* Montresor & M' Dies & sent him
the key of my Secretaire for my Spy Glass.
Sunday 31!? July 1757. Dined with Cap'
Gates. Paid Hebert his ace' of milk &c
laid out & also for 19 days Board wages 2X.\- i. 3. 6
one shilling per day, including this day, & {
had one shilling over to ace' tor j
Paid to M' Demler for Matt Mosel, over- ]
seer of y* Fascines for 31 days at i shilling >■ 1.18. 9
3 pence per day 1
Monday August iV Paid M' Mason as \
Overseer of the lines, 29 days pay at 3 shil- >• 7. 5. o
lings per day )
Paid M' Geo. Demler on ace' of his pay, )
as per receipt f 7- 10. 3
Received a letter from Mrs Montresor and M' Dies.
Tuesday 2°** Wrote to the Board the letter dated
29*** July with monthly return for July inclosed to my
wife to send to England, also wrote to Mrs Montresor
& to Mess" Hawkins & Dick. Coll** Young with his
detachment of 1000 men & some artillery marched up
to Fort William Henry, in the morning.
Wednesday 3^? We were alarmed before 5 o'clock
in the morning with the report of Cannon from Fort
W" Henry two or three shot sometimes within a
minute or two of one another and sometimes above a
quarter of an hour & more till 10 o'cl*" The firing in-
creased in the afternoon till 6 o'clock. Two of the
Rangers brought in a French Deserter who declared
26 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
that the French were come down in 300 boats & a
numerous Artillery with 4C00 men, 4500 Indians, 4000
Canadians & 3500 regulars & that they had invested
Fort W™ Henry and debarking their Cannon on the
West side about half a league from the Fort. Also
two men that made their escape from a reconnoitedng
whale boat, that one of them saw a great Encampment
about 6 miles from the Fort, but were pursued and run
the boat ashore. They declare that they saw Otways
retreat into the Fort, heard no firing or very little after
6 o'clock. Dined with the General.
Thursday ^ No firing all night, a few Guns in the
morning. The firing increased again & kept on till
12 & then decreased. Ordered 2 Barbettes Batterys
made on the Salliant angles of the Bastions of the
lines, a Traverse in the sortie to put the two Guns.
The Stockade to be continued on the left of the In-
campment next the River & carried to the Salliant
angle of the N West Bastion. Saw a letter to the
Gen* from Coll** Monro acquainting him that he was
attacked suddenly by a great Body of French and In-
dians and that the French General sent to him to sum-
mons the Fort, but he answered he would defend it to
the last. No firing this afternoon. Dined at the
Generals.
Friday 5* Cannon firing from Fort W"* Henry, be-
gan early but distant from one another, 'tis imagined
by that, that the Ennemy has not yet established their
Batterys. Great firing in the afternoon but ceased at
night. Dined with the General. Paid M' Gordon for
the works ;^ 1 26. o. o
Saturday 6* Very great firing from 5 o'clock in the
morning until 8. 'Tis supposed the French had erected
their Batterys in the night, at 8 o'clock the fire stopt
at once except a few guns now and then. Paid the
Baker for Bread to this day o. 8. o
Sir W" Johnson with some Indians & Militia on
horseback came in about 9 o'clock. Paid M*^ Gordon
for the works 63. o. o
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 2^
Lord Howe came in here at 9 o'clock at night from
Boston. The Militia that came in from Albany,
Schenectady &c computed at 1500 20 half Johan-
nes=63;^. 62 Bills of 5;^ each=3iO;^. 2 ditto of
^£ each=8;^. =381. o. o
Sunday 7*^ Paid Hebert his wages to the ]
31st of July & 7 days board wages. Very \ 2. 3. o
little firing this day at F^ W" Henry )
Monday 8* Rec*^ 2 letters from Mrs Montresor &
answered them, also one to M*^ Barons. Hibert my
servant went this day for Albany. Went with the
General and Lord Howe to visit the high ground to
the North of the Fort & marked the Trees for an Ab-
batis or Retrenchement to post the troops in, in Case
of an attack, and traced on the 2°** high Ground to the
Swamp left & right & brought round the front & on
the right down to the River taking in the Spring.
Visited the Ground for the encamping the Militia on
the West side of the River & found it advantageous
except the Hill that raises above it on one side. Vis-
ited also with the Gen^ & Lord Howe the ground on
the East side of the river & found it well situated to
build on it being not commanded by anything.
Tuesday August 9* 1757. Very little or no firing
since 6 o'clock in the morning, was order'd to place
the militia on the hill to the North of the Fort which
I did on the high ground. A Demurs amongst those
that was encamped there for want of water & work
that was to be done. An Express came about 1 2
o'clock & met Lord Howe and the Aid de Camp &
went back with them again. But found that the Mili-
tia instead of working or doing anything to cover
themselves, sat directly to making Bowers &c, shortly
found they were order'd back. Visited the hill on the
West side for a total Incampment & by order went to
Sir W" Johnson to shew him the Ground which I did,
after brought him over to eat with me at the Mess
houses, 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The militia en-
camped all on the west side of the River, and about
28 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
8 o'clock in the Evening, a man made his escape froni
the Fort W°* Henry, after it was taken & says that
they capitulated about 7 o'clock in the morning.
Wednesday lo'? This morning early 2 French offi-
cers deserted from their Camp & Came into the Line
& carried to the Generals, between 10 & 11 in the
morning. Part of our people that were in the In-
trenchment at Fort W° Henry came running into the
Camp Extreamly confused at the Indians behaviour
after the Capitulation, murdering every one that they
could lay their hands upon, tearing the cloaths off their
backs, and not prevented by the French, who were
lookers on. A Detachm^ of 500 men, commanded
by Major Prevost was sent out in order to meet the
Prisoners who were sent with a Detachment of French
Regulars to protect them from the Indians. Ensign
Portis, Captain Cunningham & L' Collins were of the
first officers that came in Except those that brought
the Colours. In the evening came in M' Furnes's man
& said that he had left his Master in the rear and had
pulled off his boots, but did not see him afterwards.
Thursday \i^ Paid to M*" John Dies on ace' of de-
fraying the work at Fort Edward New York £
Currency 300. o. o
About 12 o'clock, noon, saw a large smoke which bore
from Fort Edward N 8° Degrees West supposed to be
Fort William Henry. Deserters came in this morn-
ing with an Ace' that the French were to put fire to the
Fort & that the Indians were going off displeased.
Friday 1 2^ Col^ Fry of the Massachusets came in
thr** the woods last night from the other Fort & Cap'
M^'Leod. Gave an order to M*^ Dies for paying 51;^
currency to the expenses of building the Small Pox
hospital, but to be repaid again, from the Contin-
gencys of the Army. Paid this per Order of General
Webb, signed G Bartman.
Saturday 1 3'^ Aaron Devoe Carpenter Came in last
night from Fort W°* Henry, his certificate from M' Gor-
don is for 56 days at 7 shillings per day, 1 7 days sick
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 29
and he worked at Fort W" Henry i6 days — his whole
pay amounts to ;^28.3.6
Kec** from me ;^5. from M*" Dies 5;^ = 10.0.0. £iS.i. 6
The scouts this morning came in with an ace' of the
woods being full of French and Indians. A French
deserter, an Italian Came from the Lake at 2 o'clock
in 4 hours time & said that the French were pulling
down the Fort, that most of their Indians were gone
off and they had embarked their cannon.
Sunday \^ K Reg' of militia march'd back this
morning in spite of the Centrys. Deserters from the
Fort informs that they have demolished the Fort &
cutting down trees to the west of the Lake. In the
evening a party of the French consisting of 30 men
with 2 officers, the one named Marin who commands
some Indians, and a Lieu' of La Sarre Savornin,
brought M*^ Hamilton with a letter from Monsieur
Montcalm to Lord Loudoun & Gen* Webb informing
them that he had granted a Capitulation honourable
for the defence of Fort W"* Henry & was sorry that it
was not performed in all respects, having exposed
himself to remedy the disorders, that he saw the In-
dians Committed, that he had ordered a Detachment
of 2 Companies of Granadiers & 200 Volunteers to
escort the Prisoners to morrow to Fort Edward and
that Coll° Young chose to come and Cap' Fesh was
left in his stead.
Monday 15*** A party of 2 Companies of Granadiers
& 200 Volunteers Commanded by Sub Lieu' de la
Come escorted our Prisoners from Fort W°* Henry.
The like party was sent to meet them at the half way
run, to receive them & brought them in about 3 o'clock,
afternoon all the officers came in that was wanting
except Cap' Ormsby wounded & Cap' Fesch kept an
hostage.
Tuesday I6'^ At 11 o'clock in the morning the sev-
eral officers & men that Came yesterday from the Fort
Set out for Albany except Coll"* Morris, Young, with
the wounded & Sick. A Gen* Court martial on a
30 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Lieu' of the Massachusets for exciting desertion.
Received orders to go to Saratoga to set out that
Post A man came in from Fort W" Henry who was
a servant to a Cap' of Granadiers of the Reg' of
Guienne & taken at Oswego, who says that he saw
the last of the French embark to go up the Lake.
Wednesday ly^ Rec** orders to send the State of
Saratoga, what is necessary to be done therefor to
lodge a post for a Garrison of one Cap*, 4 Subalterns
& 2 men & when that is proceeding on, to do the
same at Stillwater. Dined at the Generals.
Thursday I8'^ Lord Howe with Mess" Ord, Gor-
don, Harrison, and myself, settled the number of Guns,
mortars &^ for the defence of Fort Edward. Dined
with the General. Gave a receipt for the under-
mentioned stores for Saratoga. Felling axes, Spades
Shovels &c &c &c.
Friday 19* Set out for Saratoga, at past 8 — arrived
at one o'clock. Mess" Wraxall, Dember, and Inger-
soll sat out for Still Water directly. Paid on ace' to
Cap' Ingersoll 4 Dollars — amounting to. . . .;^i.i2. o
Wrote to M' Dies by M' Hill about the money.
Wrote 2 letters to Mr* Montresor & one to the Board
being an ace' of the Surrender of Fort W"* Henry.
Brought 3 carpenters, Rob' Dickson, Henry Gilliams
& Bart Taws & begin this day on the work at Sara-
toga.
Saturday 2d^ Set the Carpenter to work on Plumb
Rule leveld 10 foot rod.
Sunday 21"' Wrote to Gen* Webb. Visited the
Sawmill & found it all tore to pieces, the trough &
wheels all destroyed to make fire by the Provincials
under Coll° Fry & finished by the Militia Coming up
to Fort Edward. A party of 24 men went to fetch the
Slabs which covered the militias Camp.
Monday 22^ Measured & Surveyed part of the
Ground of the old Block house Set the Carpenter at
work & Party to bring the Saws from the Mill and
Some loose pieces of Timber.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 3 1
Tuesday 23'? Wrote , to Mrs Montresor & Cap'
Bartman about the work house, also to M' Dies his
letters, the one enclosing M' Gordons about Stores,
the other the Warrant for looO;^ Sterling received for
the works of Albany and sent to M*^ Dies to receive.
Wednesday 2^ Sent the Party & Carpenter to look
for timber & brought fourteen logs in a Raft.
Thursday 25*^ Sent the Party & 2 Carpenters to
get timber — they cut 18, but Could not bring 11 for
want of Teams. Received a letter from M' Dies, not
having then received the Warrant.
Friday 26^. Wrote to M*" Gordon about Surveyors
&^ Received a letter from M'' Dies with three Re-
ceipts to be signed from M' Turner for the looO;^
warrant. Cumly & 4 Sawyers came from Fort Ed-
ward to work here at night.
Saturday 27^**. Received a letter from Cap* Bart-
man. Wrote letters to Mr* Montresor, Mess" Barons
& Dies with the three Receipts for M' Turner. In the
afternoon Rec** a letter from Jack & my wife with the
newspapers.
August 28'^ Sunday. Wrote a letter to Cap' Bart-
man. No men at work to day Except the 3 carpen-
ters. Lent Cap' Fletcher a 40;^ bill & 2* in silver,
there was not a man to be had for work.
Monday 29*? Rec** a letter frdm M*^ Gordon with a
Saw & Chalk line also from Mrs Montresor with one
enclosed from Harry another from Lieu* Comberford.
Wrote to M' Gordon & Dies. The sawyers came
back from Fort Edward, with the Files. Traced part
of the Fort, and took a Profile through it. Cap'
Fletcher rec** a letter from Cap' Bartman to keep the 50
men that used to go for a Party to Fort Edward, to be
employed on the works here. Also to make Cover
for the Provisions as they Come and to make Still
Water and Ferry proper posts.
Tuesday 30*? Sent out a Party of 30 men, 20 to
cover in the Woods with 3 Carpenters to cut Timber,
the Sawyer began this day to saw. 20 men for Stone,
32 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
6 in the foundations, 2 Teams at Work. Wrote to
my wife Floated down 6 logs & had cut down about
20 Trees.
Wednesday 31" Sent for Timber and Boards down
the river. Bricks brought from Fort Edward.
September i** 1757. Thursday. Rec** a letter from
Cap' Bartman to be one with Coll"* Glazier & Cap'
Fletcher to survey the Provisions, & answered it by
Lieu*^ Bell. Party went to the woods for timber &
Boards & pulling down the old Fort.
Friday 2°**. The Post came in this morning at 5 &
brought me letters from Mess" Dies, Gordon & Mrs
Montresor with newspapers & answered them the
same day, those to my wife & Dies.
Saturday 3"*. Surveyed with Coll** Glazier & Cap'
Fletcher the Flour here, by order & found the whole
bad except a few Casks. Began to lay the first Posts
for the Cover of the Provisions.
Sunday 4*. Signed the report of the above Survey.
Monday ^^. Rec** by the Post a letter from my wife
& also one from Williams Engineer, acquainted me
of Dugald Campbell's death. Continued raising the
Cover of Provisions & all the Works &c &c.
Tuesday 6'^ Wrote to my wife. The Party from
Fort Edward Came in to relieve with Cap' Bellew.
Covered the shed as far as the Nails would Serve.
The Post did not come from Fort Edward till late at
night.
Wednesday j^. Sent my letters by the Post this
morning early to my wife & M' Dies. Paid L' Crary
for himself & Serj' Underwood with the several that
have signed for wading & floating the timber £2>6'9
The Party went at 10 o'clock, to return to Fort Ed-
ward, wrote M' Gordon.
Thursday 8'**. The Carpenters & Bricklayers sent
up from Albany per M' Dies arrived here about i
o clock with the Stores for Fort Edward & this place
sent also by him. rec^ 2 letters by him & wrote an
answer.
JOURNALS OF COU JAMES MONTRESOR. 3$
Friday 9*. Rec** a letter from Mrs Montresor with
the newspaper. Wrote to Captain Bartman.
Saturday 10*. Wrote to my wife. A deserter went
off, when Gentry & took Cap* Bellews horse, but
was taken again by a Serj* who rid my horse to
pursue him, he had got near 6 miles towards Still
Water.
Sunday \\^. Worked this day. Nothing Extra-
ordinary.
Monday 1 2*. Rec** a letter from my wife & from
Cap* Bartman, with orders to go to Fort Edward.
The letter had been carried by mistake to Albany.
Rec^ a letter from M' Dies.
Tuesday 1 3* Wrote to my wife.
Wednesday September 14. 1757. Set out f'm Sara-
toga for Fort Edward, & arrived there at»3 o'clock in
the afternoon, supped at Gen* Webb's & ordered to
look into the Works as he apprehended they went on
wrong.
Thursday i^. Visited the works, dined at Gen'
Webbs & rec** a letter from General Abercromby
dated the 14* from Albany, with orders to go on with
the Posts at Saratoga, Still Water Ferry & to make a
report of the State of Fort Edward to Lord Loudoun,
also Rec** a letter fm my wife.
Friday. i6*\ Visited the Ground on the other side
& found it very well adapted for a Post, & Commands
the river & Island & has above a mile behind West on
a levell with good oak & Chesnut & maple Ground
the River running .under its Banks 70 feet high & Per-
pendicular.
Saturday 1 7*. No Extraordinaries. Dined at Gen-
eral Webbs.
Sunday 18. Forbes & Blakeney's Reg* came to
Fort Edward. Dined at the mess and supped with
the General.
Monday 19* Set out for Saratoga & arrived there
at one o'clock & dined with Coll*" Grant Visited the
works &c &c.
34 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Tuesday 20***. Paid Serj' Cady on his re- ) £
ceipt at his going to Still Water 5 dollars . . j 2. o. o
Rec*^ a letter from my wife. The Artificers would not
work for want of Rum.
Wednesday 2 if* The Artificers would not work nor
take half a Gill of Rum till the rest came & was
obliged to give a Note to the Commissary to pay them
their allowance when they came. Wrote to my wife.
Gen* Abercromby, Major Eyre, Col"^ Mesarve, M' Dies.
Thursday 22? Coll° Mesarve & Cap' Worden Came
here from Still Water to Consult whether it was worth
while to put the Saw mill in order & it was agreed to
postpone it till the Spring, told him that work was
designed at Still Water & gave him the Dimensions
of the Barrack and Store houses, he returned the
Same day. •
Friday 23*^ Gave Rob* Dickson Carpenter a Certifi-
cate for 34 days and a half work at Saratoga, with a
Certificate from M' Gordon for 6 days at Fort Ed-
ward, he is checked one day & a half and to re-
ceive ;^i2.i.6. Indebted 5;^. Paid M' Williams for
the works £\2. 12. o
Saturday 24* Set out from Saratoga at 4 o'clock in
the afternoon, arrived at Still Water at 7 and found
Coll"* Mesarve gone to the half moon.
September 25*** 1757. Sunday. Wrote to Mrs Mon-
tresor.
Monday 26th. Coll° Mesarve came from half moon.
Tuesday 27th. Set out the work. The Post came
in brought no letter. Paid Serj* Cady on i £
ace' one dollar [ o. 8. o
And went to Albany with one Donaky to get the tools.
L' Williams came up from Saratoga.
Wednesday 28'^ Begun to lay the Ground Sill of
the Store-house. Went on tracing out the Work.
Thursday 29***. Set out from Still Water about 2
o'clock arrived at Halfmoon about 5. Examined the
Ground at the Point.
Friday 30**" Examined the Ground about it, at the
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 35
Camp & marked it out but found it incapable of a
good post
October \^ Set out from Half Moon, but before Set
out the Post on the Point, then came to the Ferry to
the East of the Mohock River and Set 'out the Post,
also that on the West side of the River. Dined at
Jacob Kenute and arrived at Albany about 8. pm.
Sunday. October 2°*^. Waited on Gen^ Abercrombie
& dined with him. At night with Major Eyre Exam-
ined part of M"" Campbells papers & Instructions,
found that his Commission & Letters &"" tended only
to the Command of an Expedition under Gen* Hopson.
Monday 3'**. Dined with M^ Napier, examined with
Major Eyre the Stationary. Went round the works
found them not so far forward as expected.
Tuesday 4***. Dined at Farells at Major Eyres re-
quest, but he did not come, wrote to him an order per
Gen* Abercromby's direction for Major Eyres to set
out for Schenechtady to morrow for to Examine the
Barracks & their Condition with the number of men
these will Contain.
October 5. Visited the Works.
Oct 6* ditto ditto.
October 7*. Dined at M' Schuylers.
Oct 8 Dined at Farrells.
Sunday 9*** Dined at Col** Monroes, rec** a letter
from Mrs Montresor, at night rec*^ the Box of Instru-
ments belonging to the late M' Campbell's Brigade.
Monday 10. Dined at Farrells with Coll° Hunter.
Wrote to Major Morris, Williams & Mrs Montresor,
but the letters did not go, the Post being gone.
Tuesday. October ii**" 1757. Wrote to Cap' L' Wes-
ton, L' Williams Coll° Mesarve. The two former in
order to relieve Williams on ace' of a Complaint made
against him by Coll** Grant to Col^ Mesarve on
account of the Boards brought from Scorticoke to
Still-Water and ordered to take no more from thence.
Dined at Colonel Provost's.
^1
36 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
[Memoranda from Col"* James Montresors Notes in
Book No. I.]
Profile thr* the line at Fort Edward with Fas-
cines July I** i757.
\See Illustrations. No. 3.]
^ ( Companys of Regulars 19
^c] 3 Massachussets 17
*^ M -< Connecticut 9
^ Rhode Island 5
^ New York 3
For the Camp 53
The North line Contains . .Companys 16
The East Line do .. •• 18
The Rentrenchment . . . r 19 53.
J j The Fort will take up supposing (men)
3 ^^P I a General Attack 1434
J j The retrenchment 73 1
3 ^^P I The Lines 1770
Total. 393 1
Rooms for the officers at Saratoga 16 feet by 14
feet 220 feet running Barracks for Soldiers.
New York Carpenters at Fort Edward
I at 12 shillings per day 0.12. o
8. o
1 1. 4. o
19. 6
5.6
3.6
I do 8
do
do
32 do 7
do
do
3 do 6/6
do
do
1 do 5/6
do
do
I do 3/6
do
do
39 at/2.2.0 ;^I3-I2. 6
1 757 2"** May Carpenters pay begins at Fort Edward
I*' July their Pay amounts to ;^8i6. o. o
No. 3. Page 36.
No. 5. Page 45.
i
I*
Oik
JOURNALS OF COU JAMES MONTRESOR. 37
East Bastion Fort William Henry.
To be raised one log round in height which will be
covered and prevent from being seeing into from the
Rising Ground at S"* E and that at West.
The Powder Magazine to be lined with Brick round
and an arch turned at the Entrance to prevent the
Communication of Fire.
July 27* Query i* Suppose the Ennemy was to
attempt landing, whether the Number of Boats are
sufficient to man them to prevent it
men
2 Galliots 200
2 Scows
5 Whaleboats
3 Batos
2 Sloops 90
CD ^i
men 290
The attempt with the 2 Galliots & Sloops are the
only Vessells which can obstruct their landing.
Query 2*** What number of Troops will be neces-
sary to defend this Post and obstruct the Ennemy on
their march or landing and where posted ?
Answer. On Johnson's Camp and 1000
On the West Ground 700
To defend the Fort 300
Query 3** What Cannon for the Breastwork or In-
trenchment in Johnson's Camp ?
2 Twelve pounders \
2 Six do do \ For the Intrenchments.
2 Eight do do 3
That the two 12 Pound'* Brass to be put into the
Intrenchments and that 2 Nine Pound" in the Gal-
liots.
A breast work to be immediately raised on Sir Wil-
liam Johnson's Camp, and no other Camp to be made
but that the number proposed of 2000 be put together.
38 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Memorandum for M' Williamson.
The boards &*" of the store house may be carried
up to the Retrenchment, in order to make Cover for
Provisions for the Troops.
That the 2 Six Pounder be put into the Galliot till
the 9 Pounders come up. That the Sloop and Boats
may be made use of on the Lake often within reach of
the Fort unless a leading Gale, & this repeated by
way of deceiving the Ennemy.
Preamble to the following Questions.
The General having produced an Examination taken
from a French Lieu* taken Prisoner at Fort W°* Henry
Wednesday the 3^* instant.
That the French Army under the Command of Gen"
Montcalm consisted of between 1 1 and 1 2.000 men &
in that army were 4000 Indians, 3000 Regulars, 4000
Canadians & Militia & that they had brought with
them in Double Boats planked, 36 Pounders of Can-
non with 4 Mortars, that between 4 and 6000 of that
army came by land from Carillon &*" & that they
landed about half a league at the West of the Fort
August y* 2"*^ in the Night time & that the next day
August 3'** they invested the Place. That at different
times there had arrived lately from Europe 30 sail of
Ships with Provisions, Stores & Troops to Quebeck.
Then the Gen* informed us that there were no Militia
come up, and that he had sent several Expresses, but
had no answer to them on which the following ques-
tions were made by the General.
1757. Friday. August 5!** 11. d clock. Met by order
from Gen* Webb at his house in the Fort to give our
opinions on the present situation of affairs, and our
present circumstances
Present
General Webb Coll^ Angel
ColP Lyman Cap' Ord
Major Fletcher Engineer Montresor
Coll** Glazier Engineer Harry Gordon
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 39
Question i" made & proposed by Gen* Webb. Con-
sidering our present Situation & that of the Ennemy's
by an Examination, rec** from a French Lieu* taken
prisoner & the several reports made by the rangers
who were sent to Fort W° Henry, whether it was
practicable with the Force we had to go up to their
assistance.
Question 2°** Then considering the Ennemy's Force
& our present situation whether it was proper to re-
main at this Post & wait for the Ennemy.
Question 3^^ Proposed by the Gen* whether it was
not proper in case of a Retreat to leave a Garrison in
the Fort.
Answers to the Questions.
Q !•' Answer — Not practicable.
Q 2"** Answer — That it was proper to retreat &
meet the militia & make a stand to stop the Ennemy
& that as soon as possible.
Question 3"* Not answered.
But were broke up by the General saying, to keep
ourselves ready to march at a minutes warning & if
there was any Cariages it should be divided as equally
as possible. But according to what he should hear
further he might alter his resolutions.
Sunday August 7*. Heard nothing further. The
Chief Engineer several times applied to the General
to know whether this Fort was to be defended in
order to pull down the outhouses & clear the Saw-
yers working in the Ditch of the Ravelin.
August 12* (1757) State of the Works at Fort Ed-
ward
N. W. Bastion is raised up to its height within. The
Merlons filled in and Platforms laid. The Ramp up to
it & its Terreplein to be made good and Levelled.
N E Bastion Completed and finished. The Curtine
between those two Bastions. The Rampart is not
quite fiird in above the Casemate, one day more will
finish it
40 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR,
S.E Bastion finished but wants to be Cleared &
leveird The Curtine between the S. E & Water Bas-
tion, the Parapet not quite fill'd in nor the Platforms
laid.
S. W Bastion or Water Bastion not raised nor its
adjoining Curtine which is without Rampart & only a
Fascine parapet next the River.
The Ditch of the East Curtine is finished to its
proper Depth. The Ditch of the N* Curtine finished.
The Ditch of the S** Curtine not Carried round. No
Ditch to the West Curtine being next the river. The
Ditch of the Ravelin will be finished to morrow even-
ing.
The Ravelin is raised to its proper height with Plat-
forms. Its gate G, and Draw bridge — bridge want-
ing.
The Bridge from the Ravelin to the Fort finished,
the Ballances of the Draw bridge wanting
The Face of the N West Bastion wants a log the
whole length to be raised under the Fraise & its Sal-
liant angle too low in front and in danger of being
Brusqued.
The Casemates to be cleared & made fit for the
men, there being molasses and Rum in one. Provisions
in the other, Shells and ordinance Stores in the ^
which wants to be lined next the Barracks. The 4*^
empty.
14* The officers Barracks to be finished and the
men's put in order.
1 5*** A well and oven necessary for the Garrison.
16"^ A safe Place for fixing Shells &*^ for the Artil-
lery.
Fort Edward. August 13*^ 1757. J M.
Account of Timber within the lines and about the
Fort August 15'** 1757.
ID pieces of Timber squared
269 do flatted Timber
2 do Oak Logs for Trunnells.
No.4 Page 41
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR; 4 1
II.
Journal (N** 2) of Col James Montresor,
Saratoga.
1 T^y August 19***. Arrived at Saratoga with M' Dern-
ier & Ingersoll who both left me immediately for
-Albany and remained with 3 carpenters viz* Rob* Dick-
son, Henry Gillian, Basil Taws & paid M' Ingersoll
n account ;^i«l2. o
Aug* 20***. Making tools, Carpenters C3.)
do 21" Working Party to bring the Slabs ) men
help to cover ) 24.
Aug* 22^ From the angle of the two rivers, the
udson Rivers west Bank bears in a 150 feet length
North 22° East Bank of Fish Kill as far as the
"West angle of the old Block house Fort bears, in a
^J7 feet length = North 57^° West. Three Carpen-
ters at Work on getting the Saws & loose timber
ffrom the Sawmill with a Party bringing of it in &
Slabs and boards.
Aug^ 23'** 3 carpenters & 22 men getting some
loose timber at the Saw mill.
Aug* 24*. 3 Carpenters, sent a Party with them to
^n Island to look for Trees fit for Cutting, having this
^Horning been sent in the woods near at hand and
found none, brought home a raft with 14 Logs. Rec^
from Fort Edward — Bricks.
Aug*. 25. Sent 2 Carpenters & 14 men for timber,
tliereby cut 18 pieces but could not bring it for want
of teams.
Aug* 26^ Sent 3 Carpenters & 20 men with a Batoe
& Team and brought 18 pieces of Timber. Cumly
& 4 Sawyers came from Fort Edward to work here.
Aug* 27^ 3 Carpenters putting tools in order, assist-
ing to Set out the work. 20 men with a Team to get
the timber from the Water. Advanced Cumly one
Dollar on his account.
42 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Aug* 28. 3 Carpenters and a team i a day. No
men at Work there being none to be had.
Aug* 29*.** The Sawyer come back from F' Edward.
The men getting stone from the hill. 3 Carpenters
squaring. The sawyers putting the Pitt in order.
Traced part of the Fort, and took a Profile thr** it in
the Center.
August 2^0. 1757. somen & the 3 Carpenters went
to the wood for Timber. 20 men for Stone, 6 in the
foundation. The Sawyers began to Saw this day.
One of the teams were employed, one with the Car-
penters, the other with the Stones, brought to the
work.
August 31*' 30 men & 2 Carpenters with 2 teams,
went to the woods for Timber. Serj' with 20 men for
Stone, 20 Pulling down and a Serj' & 6 men down
the river for Boards. Bricks brought from Fort Ed-
ward.
September i" Finished pulling down the old Fort,
Sent over the river for Boards & for Timber with 2
Teams. 20 working men & 10 to Cover got 30 logs cut
& 260 boards from below the river. Began to open
the holes & Cut Crutches for to Cover the Provisions.
Friday 2"**. Sent a party for Timber, and 2 Teams
with them also sent 2 Teams to, Saturday 3*^ to fetch
the Crutches and Small timber for the Posts of the
Storehouse & paid off Taws gone to Fort Edward &
lent Okey a dollar, (the Sawyer).
Sunday 4***. Lent to Comly 2 dollars more. Began
to pitch the Crutches in the Ground. This morninj
put the Cover for Provisions and to make Fascines
made 60. Sent for timber & got 16 down. Rafted.
2 Teams employed with them & 2 teams came at 4
o'clock in the afternoon to bring some timber for the
Provision Shed.
Monday 5* Sent for timber with 2 teams to the
woods. Set up the Crutches for the Cover of the
Provision Shed, Cut Fascines and had 2 teams to bring
Timber from the Water Side. The Carpenters em-
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR, 43
ploy'd Sawing, making up the Carcase of the Pro-
vision Shed & hewing the logs for the Barracks — four
teams employed.
Tuesday 6. The two Covers for Provisions will Con-
tain 2596 Barrells of Flour. The Party in the woods,
another floating timber, another for Fascines. The
Carpenters began to Cover the Shed as far as they
had Nails the rest hewing the Timber for the Barrack.
Four Teams.
Wednesday 7*. Began to open the Ditch & Set the
IVfasons into the foundations, and got but 30 men on
^cc' of the Partys, relieving Carpenters & Sawyers at
^Work on the timber of the Barrack, i Team & 1 2
cz>xen they pretending that their oxen was poorly &
"%jvould not draw the timber from the water side. Jacob
rowne Carpenter of the 35*** came from Fort Ed-
ard this day at 2. Gave a Check took to Comly for
I he Artificers and men.
Carpenters Sent from Fort Edward September 2"**
■=757
Jacob Brown 35* Regiment
Zacheriah M^^Donald 48* do do
John Mills 60'** do do
Thursday 8* About one o'clock the following Car-
j>enters & Bricklayers & Sawyers Sent up by M' Dies
from Albany. Arriv'd here at about i o'clock & Set
^hem to cover themselves for the night and open a
Saw Pitt Their pay to Commence the 5* Instant.
ohannes Outerkerk
ohn Outerkirk
Peter Vanvort
Francis Winne
Sybrandt Vanzant
Isaac Vanzant
John Scott
Egbert Van hoosen
Isaac Slingerland
Myners Redder
Adam Scott Simpson
.... Foreman
•r Carpenters
44 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Patrick Colvin ^
Michel Shroom c
u n r Sawyers
ohn Boone [ ^
ohn Cornelia J
'. i^rancis Couenoven ) r> • 1 1
Edy Day } Bricklayers
The Carpenters above came in here, also the
Stores for Fort Edward and this place. Sent a Party
for Fascines, another to get timber & to dig the
Ditch. One team & 12 oxen to draw up the Timber
and got a few stones.
Friday 9. Very rainy, the Carpenters, Sharpening
& preparing their Tools. A Party went out, to the
woods to bring timber & look out for that fit for
shingles. No teams at all.
Saturday 10. September. The Carpenters divided
between the Barracks & Provision Shed. Finished
Covering one of the Sheds by noon. The Brick-
layers on the foundation of both buildings. The
Shinglers began to Split a piece of timber for Shin-
gles. The soldiers in clearing the inside where the
Fort is to be. A party with the Serj' gone into the
woods — two teams.
Sunday 11^. The Carpenters began on the New
Provision Shed. The bricklayers on the brick part
of the North Chimney, A party in the woods, 2 teams.
Lent Mills, Carpenter one dollar.
Mofiday 1 2^ Party in the woods. Carpenters laid
the sills & posts of the Corners & doors. Bricklayers
partly turned the arches of the Chimneys. The men
clearing the ditch. Six teams.
Tuesday — 13* Party in the woods for cutting trees
for Rafters, Beams & Shingles. Bricklayers on the
South Chimney. Carpenters Shedding the 3"* Store-
house, Sawing & putting up the Posts & logs of the
West Barracks — two Teams, one with Clay & 1 2 oxen
to get the timber.
Wednesday 14'^ Set out for Fort Edward.
Monday 19* Came from Fort Edward to Saratoga.
No. 3. Page 36.
No. 5. Page 45.
k 1 * > * • w
Oi^
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 45
Tuesday 20* The Artificers work* but half a day,
it rained and they came one and all, to demand their
rum & would not receive the half Gill proposed to
them. Sent Serj' Cady & shinglers to Still Water.
Wednesday 2\^ The men would not work until they
had a note from me that their allowance would be paid
them. One team.
From the inside of Still water.
the parapet to the Banquette ... 6 feet
Between do & Barrack 8 "
Barrack i8
Between both Barracks 36
Barrack 18
Between D** & Banquette 8
Banquette 6
120
\See Illustrations. No, 5.]
III.
Journal (No 3) of Col*^ James Montresor
October 12^" 1757 to April 9^" 1758,
1757. October 12* Order'd M'' Williamson to re-
lieve M' Weston on the Roads between Half moon &
Still water and the latter to relieve M' Williams at
Saratoga, ordered to Albany on Complaint of Coll®
Grant to Gen* Abercrombie per letter with one in-
closed to him from M' Williams on the subject.
This day began at Farrells to mess,
Thursday 13* Wrote to Mrs Montresor two letters
one by post, the other by M' Gartwright in a sloop.
Wrote also to Major Morris with orders for M' Gor-
don to shew Gen* Webb's. Wrote also to Weston &
46 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Williams. Williamson set out for half Moon. Rec**
a letter from my wife, w* newspapers.
Friday 14* Dined at the Generals. Set out the
road to y* Fort
Saturday I5*^ Wrote to m' Brewse Engineer at
Halifax in regard to the Stores bought and left there,
m' Williams Came from Saratoga being relieved by
Gen* Abercrombie's order by M" Weston.
Sunday 16* Dined with Coll'' Hunter at Farrells.
Monday. OcC 17* Rec** of M' Turner the sum of
625 dollars on ace' of the works at For' Edward,
being to answer Bills in favour of drawn on me
by M"^ Gordon amounting in New York Currency to
Tuesday iS*** Cap' L' Green Engineer came here
from N york.
Wednesday the 19th. paid Farrell his bill for sup-
pers &^ And asked M"^ Green to dine with me. . £\.\<).^
Thursday 20 and Friday 21*.' Paid to Bostick for
9 martin skins £2. o. o also do do for
19 do do ;^4. 15. o Wrote to Mrs Montresor 3
letters & sent down by a sloop Captain Vallans my
large black Trunk with the above skins & some summer
apparell. Cap' Green went down in the sloop having
got leave from Gen^ Abercromby. Sent 2 letters by
the Sloop one by the post.
Saturday. 22"** Signed an Order for M' Green to re-
ceive his pay Extra to the 30'*" Sept' from the 19'** of
August also signed a Receipt for some Instruments.
Ordered to remove the chimney of the Guard house
next the wood yard. Set out part of the road beyond
the mill slanting round to gain the road Nestiguinea
20 feet wide by which means the steep part is avoided
(agreeable to the orders of Yesterday) not followed.
Sunday 23'** Paid M"^ Demler 10 dollars on a/c' —
£^. o. o
Monday 24. Rec*^ letter from Mrs Montresor & an-
swe*^ per the Post.
Tuesday 2^^. Sent aboard Cap' Dowe my cask ot
JOURNALS OF COLi JAMES MONTRESOR. 47
Wine, also a Gardevin with a letter per Cap' Greenes
servant to Mrs Montresor with the Key. Sent Mess"
Dies & Demler to set out the post at the W, Ferry.
Wrote to Major Morris & L' Williamson per Cap'
Wray going to half-moon. Deliv** to me by Major
Eyre the following Plans he had from M' Campbell
Chief Engineer — i*' plan of a Pentagon with an
attack. — 2"** Plan of Quebec. 3** Plan of the city &
Fortress of Louisburg. — 4* — Plan of the harbour &
Fortification of Louisburg. 5* Reflections for the
Attack. 6*** Plan of Louisburg in Pencil. — Wednes-
day 26*
Thursday 27* Lord Loudoun arriv** here at 5 o'cl*'
in the afternoon.
Friday 28*. Paid Serj' Cady 4 dollars & 2 owing
me before. Paid Col"" Meserve on ace' of shingles for
Still Water made by the above serjeant ... 18 dollars.
Gave into Lord Loudoun's a General state of the
works to October i" and Nov' i*' with the return of
Engineers. Wrote to Mrs Montresor & Cap' L'
Greene.
Saturday 29* Paid Serjeant Donaky for part of his
work in making shingles at Saratoga per Certificate=
6 doll* = £2. 8. o
Sunday 30th Lord Loudoun sent to give me back
the return of Engineers as they were made in 2 Bri-
gades, therefore will have them for the future in one.
Monday 31" Lord Loudoun gave me an order to
Strike Lieu* Williams from the return of the Engi-
neers on the Establishment & accordingly ordered a
return to be made agreeable to that order.
November i" Paid Donaky Shingle maker at Sara-
toga for his whole ace' as per Certificate of Lieu'
Williams 31 Dollars — £\2. 8. o
Wednesday 2".** Gave in another Return
of Engineers to Coll** Forbes & paid to
FarrelT for mess ;^5. 4. 2
Thursday. Not/ 3":^ 1757. Rec** from M' Turner. .St«
j^500. o. o and the 250;^ currency, borrowed before,
48 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
deducted a bill of 8b;^ and M' Ormsby's ace' of
£33- 6. 8, Wrote to Mrs Montresor & M' Gordon
Engineer. Colonel Munro dyed.
Friday — 4^. Ordered by Lord Loudoun to show him
the Plan of Fort Edward and Posts which he took
and also the Plan of them Paid Captain Worden — paid
Coll** Mesarve. Paid Cap' Tidcomb by M"" Mendez.
He ordered a report to be made also of what is neces-
sary for Fort Edward.
Saturday 5'\ Gave Lord Loudoun a Report by his
order of what is necessary for the defence of Fort
Edward.
Sunday 6*. Lord Loudoun set out from here for
Fort Edward at 8 o'clock in the morning & signed the
receipts of the warrant from Lord Loudoun, dated
November 3** 1757.
Monday 7***. Ten Carpenters came down from Fort
Edward.
Tuesday 8'**. Wrote to Mrs Montresor & Mess"
Weston and Williamson, Rec** a bill from M"" Turner
on M' Mortier at sight for ;^650 NY currency for pay-
ing part of the New York carpenters come. Paid this
day.
Wednesday 9'*". Sent for by Gen* Abercromby to
acquaint me that Lord Loudoun was excessive angry
at Saratoga in not finding as he said a Store house
ready built and he advised me to go up & meet the
Lord there the next day.
Thursday 10*. An excessive bad rainy day and did
not go to Saratoga, was asked to dine at the Generals
but as I was to set out made an excuse. About 4 rec**
a note from M' Appy that Lord Loudoun was set out
from Fort Edward & that I had not occasion to up.
Supped at the Generals & celebrated his Majesty's
Birth day.
Friday ii^\ Lord Loudoun came in from Fort
Edward about 1 o'clock with Gen* Webb, Lord Howe
& Co^ Schuyler & several that went with him.
Saturday 12*. Gave Coll° Forbes a return of the
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 49
old Barrack utensils. Lord Howe's Reg* came in from
Fort Edward.
Sunday I3'\ An ace* of the German Flats being
attacked by 800 French And Indians last night and
Lord Howe & Cap' Bradstreet set out in the morning.
Two Regiments from Schenechtady And the High-
landers marched. Monday 14***
Tuesday — 15*\ This night came an Express that
Lord Howe was at Conojoxeri and that the Ennemy
had destroyed the settlements there And found 5
Dead, and 30 families missing & that they were gone
off, therefore Lord Howe, order d the Reg' back.
Wednesday \6^ M"* Weston Came from Half moon
& ordered to Fort Edward.
Thursday I7*\ Rec** a warrant this day for ;^3000
Sterling for the works.
Friday 18*. Dined at Lord Loudoun's. Wrote In-
structions for M' Weston & shewed them to Gen^
Abercromby & Coll*" Forbes approved of. Order'd
to send him up to Fort Edward & Cap' Green to
Schenectady.
Saturday 19* Cap' Green set out for Schenectady
in order to inspect in the Barracks. Wrote to M'
Gordon that M*^ Weston was to relieve him. Wrote
to Major Van Slyck & to Lieutenant Williamson.
Monday 2\ [Wrote to Mrs Montresor. An Ex-
Sunday — 20 j press by M"^ Green from Schenectady
that came from Sir W"* Johnson with an ace' that the
French & Indians had taken Post on the great carry-
ing place. That by the same conveyance there is an
ace' that out of the settlement of the German Flats
are 114 persons missing that out of that number are
only 8 found dead. That the horses they drove away
& the Cattle they destroyed & set fire to all the
houses. The oxen & cows they cut their tongues
out. Ciaptain L' Weston set out for Fort Edward.
Tuesday 22*^ Mr Appy brought me L' Hurbert's bill
for his overseers pay at Fort W"" Henry which he had
advanced him, I ordered by M' Mendez to be paid.
50 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Wednesday 23"? Keech & the rest of the Carpenters
came in from Fort Edward. Wrote to Mrs Montresor
by M' Napier.
Thursday 2^ Mr Napier went this morning. Gen*
Abercromby advised me to say nothing about my
going until Lord Loudoun is gone & then to repre-
sent to him the necessity of my going to York to
settle accounts with Stores bought and new York Car-
penters.
Friday November 25* 1757. Rec** a message from
Lord Loudoun to bring the dates of the Engineer's
Commissions, with the dates of them which I gave him,
also the Ranks they bear in the Army, he told me that
he wanted some Engineer to be employed on mend-
ing the turnings in the roads between the Ferry & half
moon, also to survey between that & Still water &
bring in the road as near a straight line as it will ad-
mit of & where the Hill is, to try to wind it up, by easy
ascents, also to survey the River & Examine well
whether tis practicable to make it navigable, also that
I should Keep all the Engineers within call as he might
have occasion for them.
Saturday 26^*". Wrote to Mrs Montresor by Maj'or
Morris who was to sail this afternoon. Lord Loudoun,
Gen* Webb, Lord Howe &'' went on board for New
York this evening at 5 o'clock.
Sunday 27'*" Dined at Colonel Williamsons. *
Afonday 28*. The Scouters with Clerk Abercromby
&*" came in from their Scout they went on the hill
opposite to the Fort, also on the West side found that
they had laid a great heap of Earth to make a Glacis of.
The two Ravelins are made of Stone on the North &
South side. The rangers behaved extreamly ill and
discovered themselves. Wrote to Mrs Montresor 2
letters by M' Adair.
Tuesday 29*. Wrote to Mrs Montresor by L' Leslie,
M' Adair not gone. Waited on Gen^ Abercromby, got
an order from him on ace' of the Barracks.
Wednesday 30*** M' Clerk Engineer & M"" Leslie left
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 5 1
this place for York. Dined at Gen^ Abercromby's be-
ing S^ Andrew's day,
December i*/ Paid M' FarrelFs bill amounting to
;f20. 5. 2. M" Greene paid me out of it £2>^ i. ii.
M' Williamson came from the half moon, ordered M'
Demler to the half moon. To the Baker ... o. 8. 9
For Curtain Leggings &c 2. o. o
Friday 2**. Cap' Gordon came from Fort Edward
this day & rec* a letter from Cap' Weston from thence.
M' Demler went for Half-Moon.
Saturday 3** Sunday — 4* Went to Gen^ Abercromby
with M' Gordon for leave for him to go to New York,
^which was granted Wrote to Montresor.
Monday ^^^ December ly^y. Wrote to Mrs Montresor.
Tuesday 6. Wednesday y^ Wrote to Mrs Montre-
sor 2 letters by a sloop in which went a conductor ot
^lie Artillery. Dined at General Abercrombys.
Thursday — 8^ Friday — 9^ Dined with the General
-Abercromby.
Saturday^- xo^. Rec*^ from M*^ Johnsone the summ oi
,5^500 NYork currency & paid to Major Van Slyck
<2^n ace' of the works at Schenectady per his re-
eipt ;^225. 4. ID
ec** a letter from Mrs Montresor by the Post.
Sunday \V^ Wrote to Mrs Montresor by Cap* L'
Oordon who set out this day for New York. Paid
ir^i' Demler for the Workmen employed at the Half-
moon £0^' o- o
Monday 1 2*. Dined with Cap' Morris in Coll** Don-
^dson's mess.
Tuesday 13* Rec** per Warrant from Gen* Aber-
cromby ;^iooo.o.o the 500;^ Currency deducted.
Wednesday 14*. L' Williams went to Schenectady.
Wrote to Major Van Slyck to 6nish.
Thursday — 15*^ Friday — 16 Saturday — 17 Rec"*
(on 1 7*) a letter from Gen* Abercromby about Major
van Slyck and answered it by Captain Greene inform-
ing of what money was still wanted to defray the debts
here.
52 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Sunday — 18* Snowed very hard all night, two feet
high on the ground, Continued till lo o'clock in the
morning. Rec^ a letter from Mess" Sailly from Lon-
don and Major Eyres.
Monday 19. Wrote to Mrs Montresor per the Post.
Ttiesday — 20*^. Attested bill of Exchange for 400;^
sterling on the Board of ordnance drawn by M' Salton-
stall for the Extra pay of the Engineers & Rec^ from
him for myself for the month of Jan^ 1758 for 31 days
the sum of ;^i8. 12.0 Sterling which makes, as Cur-
rency £2,l.l7.^.
Wednesday 21V Paid M' Mendez out of the money I
rec** from M' Salstonstall, M' Paisleas bill of ;^io.8.6.
Ordered M' Mendez to check the Carpenters.
Thtirsday 22? M' Dies drew up an ace' of what the
six carpenters had done within this fortnight in order
to show Gen* Abercromby. Rec** an order from Gen'
Abercromby's Aid de Camp to pay Coll" Glen ;^5,io.6
for work done at Schenechtady in 1756.
Tuesday 20***. Rec^ a message from Gen* Abercromby
by Cap' L' Greene that the Carpenters for this fort-
night past had not done any work and that he was
informed of it by several that he had bespoke several
things & could not get it done, for which reason he
would not employ any more the King s carpenters
but would order other people to do it & he would
make out a Warrant for it. That the carpenters
should be checked for a fortnight past & m*^ Dies to
give an ace' of what work had been done during that
time. Captain Green visited the Works & found Taylor
absent & the men to whom he had given the Key for
the tools so too. Ordered by me to be both checked.
Thursday 22"** Rec*^ a warrant for 6oO;^ sterling
from Gen* Abercromby. M' Dies gave in his Repre-
sentation to the Gen' & seemed Satisfied. 6oO;^ ster-
Hng is in Currency 1028;^. 11. 54-.
Friday — 23** Cap' L' Green went by my order to
Schenectady to Certifie into the building the Store
house & repairing the Barracks by Major Van Slyck.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 53
Saturday 24*. Paid Major Van Slyck in part of his
accounts One hundred pounds Sterling in New York
Currency.
Sunday 25th, Wrote to Mrs Montresor.
Monday — ^.2 6th ) Packed & sealed some letters to
Tuesday — 27th \ the board, Duke of Marlborough
& Sir John Ligonier. Cap^ Christie sent (the 27''') M'
Turrell to fetch a Horse that was bought by M' Gor-
<ion & found in the woods & he gave a receipt for it.
Wednesday 2%^ M' Saul Settled ace** of Provisions
-with me and gave him two receipts for 6 weeks each,
the first to the 14* of NovMncluded amounting to 225,
ithe second to the 26'*' of December, included for 210
Rations but he is to pay no further in money than to the
23** of Nov' being the date of Lord Loudouns order &
from the 23"* of Nov' to the 26^ of Dec' in specie to the
bearer if I send a note. Gave lOO;^ in bills to Men-
dez & lOO;^ yesterday. Rec** a letter from M' Weston
from Fort Edward that the Officers barracks on the
left hand going in at the Gate were entirely consumed.
Sent Cap' Green to the Gen^ with the letter who gave
orders to supply Fort Edward with what stores we
had, but we had but 4 Padlocks & some chalk to be
ready at 10 next morning with the Convoy. Wind
South and a Thaw.
Tkursday-^2<f^ Paid M' Mendez for private ac-
count » ;^5-i8. 9
Wrote to M' Weston. To paid for washing. o. 19* o
Friday — 30th. To two Stoves o. 16. o
Saturday 31" To the Barber , . o. 8. o
1758. January i*' Sunday. Sent Mendez to Schen-
ectady to enquire into Major Van Slycks ace'* & he
come back at 7 — Prii;
Monday 2"** Lent both my horses with their saddles
& whips to M' French Quarter master of Perrys to
go to New York & leave them at Willetts. he set
out in the morning. I went to Gen\Abercromby's &
told him I was ready & that I had got a sloop &
believed she would sail to morrow.
54 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES mo
Tuesday 3"* Rec** from M' Saul for 270 rations of
Provisions due to me to the 26th De- Currency
cember £^.l^ o
Paid to Cap' Green for Maj'or Van Slyck. ;^i35. 7. 4
Also paid him for account of y* works «*>^ . 5a a o
185. 7. 4
At J before 3 sailed from the Pasture in ) '-
a New York sloop, Barrons, the master, f
Wednesday 4* Lay at anchor near Cocksacy &
sail'd at 7 & then run a ground at 8, a little below
Claverrack within 3 miles of Livingston's on the Island
at low water, in the middle of the Channell. Sent M'
Dies & Farmar to Mr Livingston's for a sloop to go
in as we imagined that as the sloop run at Highwater,
she could not be got off. At nine at night at high-
water got the Sloop ofF& lay at anchor in the Chan-
nell all night. M' Dies went ashore to Livingston's.
Thursday 5*. Wind very strong at South, turned
some time, but was obliged to come to an anchor, went
a shore within 2 miles off Livingston's and found Capt*
Baybut, Waterhouse and Crofton. dined, Supped and
lay there.
Friday 6*. Breakfasted & Came on board at 1 1. and
sailed with very little wind, variable mostly contrary,
and came to anchor a little below Sopas.
Saturday — 7*, Weigh'd anchor at half past nine in
the morning with a Gust of a North Wester but turned
W^st & so squally with Gusts that we were forced to
come to an anchor at half past 3 in" the afternoon on
the West side at the north of the Dans Camber about
\ a mile.
Sunday 8*\ Weigh'd anchor at 10 o'clock in the
morning & at 2 came to new Windsor, at 3 enter'd
the Highlands, the wind fair & came to anchor at
Coentjiis Dock between 3 and 4 the next morning
being Monday.
Monday 9* Dined and supped at Lord Loudoun's.
Began to shave with Cox at "7 shillings per Quarter. ;
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 55
Tuesday \d^ Dined at General Webb's. Taken ill
at night with a violent cold.
Wednesday ii* Monsieur De Ruynes Engineer &
Director of Mines, came to see me & gave me a letter
from the office mentioning how far he had been paid,
but not the pay per day, but M' Hawkins showed me
a letter from the Board on that occasion & that his pay
is ten shillings per day. Kept house.
Thursday 1 2'** Lent to Tony on ace* of his wages in
Silver 4 doll* — ;^i.i2.o. Gave River my Draught of
Sandy hook to be put in Lord Loudoun's Draught of
the Hudson's river. At home ill.
Friday 13* Gave 2^£ in bills to pay for the carpet
At home ill with the cold. Settled with M' Hawkins &
rec"* a bill on Beverly Robinson for ;^256.i3.8 Sterling
for the following Pays due me —
Paid M' Dies for my share of coming in the Sloop fm
Albany J[^2>. lo. o
Tony, Extra Pay from i** of June to the 31'^
December 128. 8. o
o Waggon hire for 183 days 91.10. o
o do Forrage money for ditto .... 27. 9. o
o 6 months firing to the 31" of March. . . 9. 6. 8
;^Sterl« 256.13. 8
Out of the 2^£ paid as above has
been laid out of it — To a carpet. £21. o. o
Glasses .... 2. o. o
To the house 10. o
Saturday — 14* Rec** letters from Cap' Green, Coll"*
liollo. ill at home.
Sunday — 15*** In of a cold. Mess" Mortier, Appy &
Furnis & Adair supped here. Desired M" Appy to ac-
C][uaint Lord Loudoun that I had rec** a letter from Cap*
L* Green of the death of M' Hylton Engineer in New-
foundland by letter received from thence.
Monday — 16* Still ill, kept house.
Tuesday — January 17*** 1758. Still to the house.
In a bill ;^io. o. o
56 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Wednesday 18 Still to the house. In a bill 10. o. o
do do do do do 10. o. o
Thursday — 19th Rec*^ a letter from M"^ Brewse Engi-
neer at Halifax dated December 18. 1757 about Stores.
This Evening- the Packet from England came in &
Rec** one letter from the Board in relation to Lieu*
Williams pay from the time he was employed as an
Engineer. Major Morris & Miss Phillips married.
Friday — 20*^ Wrote to Cap' Green & inclosed him
2 notes from Coll° Rollo about wages due his men.
also U Williams & in his an inclosed from the Board
& another from Falmouth. Went by the Post to Al-
bany.
Saturday — 21" Took Physick.
Stitiday — 22"** Snow and Frost. Kept house.
Mo7iday — 23'** do do do An
Eclipse of the moon. Gave to the house J[^o. lo.a
The Eclipse began at 28 minutes past 1 1 and was one
hour & half in making its total which lasted until near
two.
Tuesday— 2^. Dined at M*^ Mortiers. Gave Mrs
Montresor for Concert S:*' ;^i.io.o. Mrs Montresor
went to the Concert & supped afterwards with Major
Hacket & the Company at Scotch Johnnys.
Wednesday — 25*. Wrote to M' Boddington & to M*^
Sailly inclosed in the formers. To pay the female Ser-
vants £2>* 10. o
To pay for Hat and lace for Harry 3. o. o
To Buckles for Ditto i.io. o
Dined at Gen* Webbs, supped at Mr Philipse. Gave
a plan of the Narrows & designed Batterys ; to Lord
Loudoun.
Thursday — 26*.** Dined at Lord Loudoun's & gave
him the Remarks on Sailing from New York to Sandy
hook, with observations on the Defence of the Narrows
&c. Paid for Muslin £2. o. d
To a Glazier & Painters bill i. 6. o
To 1 2 pounds of Sugar Powder . 8, o
To the house 8. o
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 57
Friday — 27* Saturday — 28 To the house, .o. 8. o
To a cheese w' 16^^* at '/^ i. 4. o
To Washing. 'V^ o. 18. o
Sunday — 29*** Dined at Major Rutherford's.
January 30* Monday. 1758 Gave to the House
;^o.i6.o Major & Cap' Rutherford, Mess" Barrow,
Furnis & Sinclair dined with us. and supped with
Mess" Turner & Adair. Wrote to Mess" Green,
Weston and Eyres.
Tuesday — 31" Rec** from M"" Mortier in bills for
money returned by M' Turner being paid by me to
Cap' m^'Adams per Lord Loudoun's order. . . ;^69.i5. o
Dined at Lord Loudoun's.
Gave to the House o. 10. o
To do do 2 doll?. . . ,16. o i. 6. o
Feb^ i" Wednesday Dined at Gen* Webbs, supped
at Major M*orris's.
Thursday — 2"** Put 15 of my letters in the Post
office by M' Hawkins who set out for Philadelphia.
Friday — 3"* Coll° Burton & Gage called here. Rec*^
three letters from Albany, from Mess" Green, Williams
& Saltonstall with a bill from M' Weston of ;^50.
Lord Howe set out this day for Albany. Made ink
this Evening,
Saturday — 4* — Gave Tony on account. . . £0, 8. o
Rec** a letter from Major Eyre, answered his letter &
sent him the Printed ace' of the Expedition to Roch-
fort Wrote to Cap' Green & enclosed him a letter
brought me by M' Newton, also the Pamphlet of the
Expedition by m"" Adair, to whom I lent my cloak.
Cor Burton & Gage set out for Albany. Major Eyre
arrived here from Elisabeth Town. Two 5/ £
shill* bills o. 10. o
Sunday 5* Major Eyres set out this day for Albany
with M' Adair. Dined at General Webb's.
Monday 6* Dined at Lord Loudoun's &gave him a
plan of Rochefort.
58 JOURNALS OP COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Tuesday — "j"^ Gave to the house in four, 5 shiU**
bills £\. o. o
do do. do in one 10 doll* do . . . o.io. o
Waited on L** Loudoun & rec** orders to make pro-
portion for 3 different Enterprises, also to relieve Cap'
Weston by Cap' Gordon & L' Williams to be em-
ployed with him, M' Weston to go about the roads 9t
&^ Gordon came here last night. Dined and supped
at Beverly Robinson's.
February S'** 1 758. Paid M' Dies for a saw ) ^
mounted [ ^^-^7- o
Paid to Gordon to pay Shoes for Mrs ) n.
Montresor &^ , . . . | ^- O" ^
Paid for M" Mortier's Shoes o. 1 2. 8
do Gave a 5^^ bill of the money ]
Brought down from Albany for Tea and >• 2.10. o
paid for one pound Tea )
To the house o. i6. o
M' Gordon and M' Russel dined with us & set off after
dinner for Albany.
Thursday — 9* Mendez & Brazier came from Albany
at night.
Friday — 10: Gave Lord Loudoun the Proportion
of Stores ordered for the Expedition A and rec** or-
ders for that B. Paid M' Mendez on account. . £6> 4. o
Saturday 11* Dined at M' Mortier, supped at M'
Turner's Expended ;^o. 16. o
Sunday — 12th. Wrote the Proportion for the Expe-
dition B for L*^ Loudoun. Rec** letters from Albany from
Mess" Green, Octerlony, & Stilt Gordon's clerk on a
bill given him on me by Mendez.
Monday — 13^** Gave Lord Loudoun the proportion
for the Expedition B, who order'd me to see if the
stores could furnish the Demand. Went at night
to M' Bird's ball. Paid Gaine the Printer for one
year's newspapers & a Book for Harry. Gave a 2£
bill £2. o. o
Tuesday — 14th To the house & Printer for news-
papers £2. o. o
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 59
Waited on L** Loudoun & gave him the Plan of the
Galliott and told him what was wanted to be made for
the Stores for A. B, C. To pay M' Murray, Pothecary
for M' Hunter ;^3. o. o
Wednesday — 15* Supped at Lord Loudoun's &
g-ave him the ace' of stores in all the several Places
with the Demand for A, B. C & the deficiencys.
Thursday — 16* Dined at Lord Loudoun's, was
obliged to come away from table being sick.
JFriday — 17* To the House, one bill of ten shil-
lings £0. 10. o
Supped at M" Philips. Lord Loudoun set out for
Hartford this morning
Saturday — 18*^. Dined at the Glass house with
^ess" Mortier, Appy &*" Mr Bird, Campbell & Turner
sailed for Carolina. The Packet, Cap^ Morris sailed
^his day with Capt' Buchanan, M' Hamilton Sc*" & my
letters to the Boards &^ Gave Cap' Morris a bill of
^20 sterling on M' John Boddington to buy some silk.
The company that dined at the Glass house, supped
"with me.
Sunday — 19th. Dined at Gen* Webb's. Supped
^t home.
Monday — 20* Visited Coll° Forbes & shewed him
The several minutes in Beseiging also that for A. also
^sited Cap' Willianouze. Gave to pay a Servant, one
Pound Bill J[^\. o. o
^rote by the Albany Post two letters, the one by
Lord Loudoun's orders to Coll° Williamson, the other
to General Abercromby acquainting him of it. Supped
5at M' Napier's.
Tuesday — 21'* Paid Jpsephson his ace' of what I
liad at Fort Edward and for what I had at new York
& paid him 2 Tenpound bills one 3 pound bill, one
ten shillings bill & 2 Shillings in Silver
Amounting to ;^23. 1 2. i
One ten shilling bill to the house .... o. 10. o
Supped at M' Mortiers. The Packet sail'd from the
Hook,
60 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Wednesday — 22°*^ Mrs Montresor dined at M' Clark-
son's. In Bed all day being sick. To the house in a
twenty sh^ bill £1. o. o
Thursday — 23'** Paid for Taxes a 40* bill . £2. o. o
Rec** a letter from M' Saltonstall with 2 receipts for
Cap' De Ruyne's Pay for January & February, being
29 days at 10 sh^* ;^29.io. o
Dined at General Webb's.
Friday — 24'** Supped at M' Furnis's.
Saturday — 25* To pay for washing a 40 shilling
bill £2. o. o
Sunday — 26*. Dined at General Webb's.
Monday — 27* Paid to M"" Dennison in ad- ) ^
vance one 3 p** bill and one Ten shilling bill . j ^ ^*
Tuesday — 28* To pay lanthorn's hire &c & House
(in a Bill) £^, o. o
March, i*' Wednesday Dined at the Glass house
with Mess" Furnis, Stevens &c.
Thursday 2"** Ships came in from London. Major
Robertson & Cap' Williamson & Ladys supped with
me. Gave to pay the Butcher 60* bill £^. o. o
Friday — 3 Saturday — 4 The Squirrell Ship of war
came in & brought me a letter from the Board signed
Geo Sackville & Charles Frederick with orders for me
to order immediately Cap' L' Green & Weston to
Halifax to provide Materials, Fascines & Gabions &*^
for service & that in case Cap' L' Green was not pres-
ent to order Cap' L' Weston & Clark which I accord-
ingly did the same day per the Post that came in from
Albany & went out again directly. I <ilso enclosed
the letter from the Board to Gen^ Abercromby at the
same time, and another to Lord Loudoun, the said
vessell brought on an ace' of Lord Loudoun being re-
called & Gen* Abercromby to succeed in the Com-
mand. My letter from the Board was directed to me.
Lieu' Colonel and Director of Engineers. Dined at
Gen* Webb's. Rec** letters from Mess" Green &
Weston.
Sunday ^^ Monday 6^ Wrote to Jack with a Mil-
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 6 1
lan's Register and Almanack sent him. Wrote to M'
Dies
To the house, a hundred shilling bill .... /^5. o. o
Tuesday — ^^ A ship of War and Packet from Eng-
land came in this day brought me letters from the
Board with a confirmation of my being made Director
and Lieutenant Colonel, also another acquainting me
of the Engineers to be employed under me for the
Department at New York, also my ace** from M' Hod-
dington to the end of the year 1756, with my Com-
mission as Major, also a letter from Lord George
Beauclerk. Supped at Mr* Philipse.
Wednesday — 8. Supped at Major Robertson's.
Dined at M' Robertson's.
Thursday — 9* Friday — 10'** To pay the carpenters
for a table & doors with putting up £^, o. o
Saturday — 1 1'** Sunday — 12***. Rec** of M' Robinson
200^ in paym' of his note of ;^ 440.0.6.
Monday — 13***. General Abercromby arrived from
Albany.
Tuesday — 14*\ Rec** from Gen* Abercromby several
letters from the Board &c. Paid M' Mendez dollars
on ace' of his pay ;^ 8.0.0. Took out of the Bag 20.00
Captain Weston arrived this day.
Wednesday — 1 5*** Dined with the Gen* Abercromby
& shewed him the letters rec** from the Board.
Thursday — 16'!" Wrote to Gen* Hopson & enclosed
the letter 1 rec** from the Board, also gave Cap' Wes-
ton his instructions & the above letter with 2 others
for Capt L'* Bontein and Brewse.
Friday — 17'\ Sent away per the Packet. Cap' Lest-
wyche, letters to the Board, Lord George Beauclerk &
M' Boddington. Supped at M' William's. Took out
of the Bag for washing 5 dollars £2. o. o
Saturday March — 18'** 1758 Sent for by the Gen-
eral Abercromby this morning to inform me that he
thought proper to make some alterations to the list of
Engineers sent to serve at Halifax & New York &
that in lieu of Mat Clerk ordered to Halifax to send
62 JOURNALS OF COU JAMES MONTRESOR.
John Montresor as his regiment goes there, & to keep
cap' Gordon to go with Brig' Forbes to the South.
He also spoke about providing axes & other tools but
good of the kind, and to acquaint Coll° Williamson
that Lord George Sackville was supposed at Halifax
and to hurry the Stores &^ Cap' Weston sailed in
the Store Ship for Halifax & Gen* Webb in the Packet
for Falmouth. Supped at M' Mortier's.
Sunday — 19* Coll"* Williamson &'' dined with me.
Monday — 20. Wrote to Major Eyre, Green & Dies
per Gen* Abercromby & to order the Chief Engineer's
boat to be put in order. Wrote also to John Montre-
sor per the Philadelphia Post. Lord Loudoun arrived
from Boston in the afternoon.
Tuesday — 21". Waited on Lord Loudoun & did not
see him till I came to dinner w*** Gen* Abercromby
at Scotch Jonny's, where he thanked me for the letters
1 wrote to him. Supped at M' Mortier's.
Wednesday — 22** Rec** orders from Gen* Abercromby
to write to Lord Howe & according to the new ar-
rangement of the Engineers at present. Cap' L' William-
son goes to Halifax as Engineer under Coll** Bastide,
and to give him orders accordingly. Also this day Coll**
Williamson & I agreed to begin our Baggage money
this Campaign from the i" of March. Two Waggons
at 10 shillings per day each, as Lieutenant Colonel,
Thursday — 22,^ Went to Brigadier Forbes & shewed
him the Proportion of Stores sent with General Brad-
dock. ColP Philipse, Lady Mr* Philipse Morris, Rob-
inson &c &c supped with me.
Friday — 24'*" Gave Cap' Abercromby the list of
Engineers ordered to Halifax & New York with Blanks
left for Gen* Abercromby to make the alterations.
Saturday — 25'\ Paid the Sadler per receipt;^ 6. 16.0
in 17 dollars for making saddle, new Bridle, repairing
2 more & Bridles &*=. Rec"* from Albany & Fort Ed-
ward letters from Cap' Gordon & Green, L' Williams
& M' Saltonstall & Stitt per the Post Took out for
Packet & Self & Mrs M' 10$ =^4. o. o
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOK. 63
Sunday — 26* March — 1758. Waited on Gen* Aber-
cromby who was very angry at the Chief Engineer s
boat being not ready for the Deputy Quarter Master
General & that he would complain, therefore went di-
rectly home and wrote to M' Furnis viz'
•' The Commander in chief Major Gen* Abercromby
having ordered me to demand the boat, that was the
late Sub. Director Campbell's to carry on the service
for the Deputy Quarter Master General's department
in consequence of which I make the following demand
of it. Sir please to deliver to the Bearer the Boat and
oars &*" belonging to the late Sub Director Campbell
at present in Store.
James Montresor
C Engineer
To James Furnis. Comp-
troller of his Majesty's
ordinance=New York
Sunday — 26"". Also this day gave the List of the
Engineers that are to go to Halifax & New York on
"vrhich the General Abercromby made the following
alterations with his own hand — Gordon to go with
IBrigd' Forbes, and Montresor to go in his stead to
Halifax — Williamson to go to Halifax in the room of
Matthew Clerk to remain with General Abercromby.
This day according to the above mentioned order to
M' Furnis I delivered the Boat & oars demanded by
:me to major Robertson for the service of the Deputy
Quarter Master General. Wrote to Cap' Green, Gor-
don, Williamson, L' Williams & Clerk, M' Saltonstall
and Stitt per the Albany Post and to Lord Howe.
Monday — 27^**. Wrote to Cap' Green, rec** 2 letters
from Gibralter from Captain Haswell.
Tuesday — 28* Supped at Beverly Robinson's.
Wednesday — 29^** M"" Clerk, Engineer, came from
Albany at Cap' Green's orders, on which Gen^ Aber-
cromby was extreme angry & sent me word so, by
Cap' Abercromby, on which I wrote the General a
letter & sent it by Jack Montresor.
64 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Thursday — 30^** Gave Gen* Abercromby the Pro-
portion of Tools for the Southward, altered from that
of Sir John S' Clair.
Friday — 31*' — Supped at major Rutherford's.
April, Saturday — 1*' Gave Gen* Abercromby the list
of the Stores designed for the Northward — also the
copy to M' Hawkins in order to know the quantity at
Albany, and at New York, & then to know those be-
spoke by Lord Loudoun, by which means the number
will be known that are to be made either here or
at Albany. Major Robertson, Col^ Williamson, Cap'
Willymore & Ladys supped with me.
Sunday — April — 2""* 1758. Rec** a letter from Cap'
L' Williamson.
Monday — 3'"^ Went on a court of Enquiry at the
Town house on a complaint mad^ by the magistrates
on ace' of Billetting officers of the Artillery on the
Recorder. Brigadier Stanwix President, Col° Gage, L'
Coll** Montresor, Major Morris, Captains Gates, Hacket
and Read. Dined at Lord Loudoun's. Supped at
M' Mortier s.
Tuesday — 4**" Attested Bills drawn on the Board by
M' Saltonstall for ;^iooo Sterling for the service of
the Engineers, payable to M' Furnis or order. Mess"
Bowyer, and Bartman dined & supp** with me.
Wednesday — 5^^. Took out 10 doll* & paid the Shoe-
maker for 3 pairs of Shoes ;^i.i7. 6
Thursday — 6. Dined at Cap' WraxalFs.
Friday — 7'** Captains Gordon, Green, Williamson
came from Albany in 35 hours.
Friday — 7*^ Also wrote to major Eyre per General
Abercromby, order to send for him here directly.
Saturday — 8'^ Paid M' Robert Livingston Jun"" for
Iron, commissioned by M"^ John Dies from him for the
use of Fort Edward, amounting to £ 1 20.0.4^^ per bill
drawn on M' Beverly Robinson and charged to m'
Hawkins's ace' with him, and gave m' Hawkins a bill
drawn on him for the above summ as a Memorandum
for him. Dined at M' Clements with Cap' De Ruynes
JOURNALS OF COL, JAMES MONTRESOR. 65
& at my request met Col^ Williamson and M' Furnis in
order to have their opinion in regard to the Baggage
and Forrage &*" &'', which he is to receive & unani-
mously agreed to put him on the footing of an Engi-
neer in Ordinary as his pay being such accordingly,
agreed to write to the Board about it
Sunday — 9th Mess" Gordon, Green and Adair dined
with me.
IV,
Journal (N"" 4) of Col"* James Montresor. From
April i" to 31^ of July. 1759.
1759. April. Sunday, i" The Leicester Packet, Cap'
Morris sail'd this day for England w^ Cap* Stevens L'
Co* with my plans of Fort Stanwix. Design of Os-
wego. Returns of Engineers, and Cap' Gordon's
Plan and Journal and letters to M' Boddington. Rec**
a Packet from Col° Bastide and several letters for
England. Wrote & answered Colonel Bastide's letter.
Monday — 2°**. Supped at M' Mortier.
Tuesday — 3'** Waited on the General who told Cap'
Swit that he would do him Justice in relation to the
Ground taken from him at Schenechtady by the bar-
racks, also the Gen* Shewed me Lieu' Brehm's Plan
of Ticandaroga and environs and I told him I thought
that Boats might be taken both sides into the water &
invest them round with Batterj's raised on the East
side to Flank the retrenchments and that Boats might
be carried across the two necks of Land, he seem'd
to be of the same opinion. Rec** letter from the Board
29* December with orders for two Engineers to join
Major Gen* Wolf, also that they had given Col** Bas-
tide leave to go home & that they granted me the
same after the campaign. Mess" Furnis, Williamson
& Garth dined with me.
66 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Wed^ 4. Dined and supped at M' Mortier's.
5* Dined at the Glasshouse, supped at M'
Mortiers. Gave M' Mendez ;^ 11 7.0.4 Jersey bills to
change for me.
6*^. This morning about 10 o'clock Rec** orders
from Gen* Amherst by Cap' Darcy that if it was not
inconvenient should be glad of my Company to Phila-
delphia, and to set out tomorrow very early, accord-
ingly I gave Directions to be ready.
j^. Set out with the Gen* and Col** Amherst,
Robinson, M' Kilby with 2 Aid de Camps in his sloop
at 9 o'clock & came to Elizabeth Point by 12. drank
tea at West's. Set out at 2, came to Brunswick at
Six, and lay there.
8*. Set out at 7. Dined at Trenton and lay
at Bristol.
April — 9'** 1759. Set out at 6 and came to Philadel-
phia at 12 & lay at M' Allen's, Chief Justice. Dined
at M"" Griffith's, Quaker where the General lodged.
10*^. Dined with Governor Denny and went to
the assembly at night.
ii***. This morning it was settled that Cap*
Gordon, L' Basset & Meyer should go as Engineers
on the westward department on the Ohio Set out from
Philadelphia at 1 1 o'clock and dined at Burlington, lay
at Crosswick, thirty four miles.
Thursday — 12'** Set out at 6 o'clock, baited and
drank Tea at Cranbury 14 miles and dined at Amboy
18 at Governor Barnard. The General review'd Las-
celle's Reg', at 6 o'clock went in M' Kilby's sloop
and arrived at York at 5 o'clock the next morning being
Friday — 13*\ Arrived this morning at 5 o'clock.
Went to the club at night Rec** 2 letters from Col°
Bastide & one from M' Dies.
Saturday — 14*\ Dined at Gen^ Amhersts & gave
him some minutes in writing in relation to some
things necessary to be done in my Department, which
he received & approved of. Paid Tho' my servant
for shoes ;^o. 1 6.0.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 67
Sunday — 15* Wrote to the board dated my letter
the 16* ins^ with the Plans of the Posts in the Com-
munication to the Ohio, also my acknowledgements
for their leave to return to England. Also wrote to M'
Boddington. Dined and supped at M' Mortier's.
Monday — 16*? Wrote to Mess" Dies, Williams and
Sowers.
Tuesday — 17V*. Went to the Levee where the Gen-
eral told me that he would order Cap' Green to Que-
bec which accordingly he did. Wrote to the Board of
the said Order. Gave the Gen* a list of Tools &''
necessary to be made, and provided to which he said
he would give me an order for it The Gen* Wall
packet, Cap' Lestwyche saiFd this day for England
^with my letters.
Wednesday 18*. Waited on the Gen* with a list of
tools Sc*" who told me to get the remainder & to pro-
vide those we shall have occasion for. Dined at the
JLieu' Gov^' with the Gen* B. Prideaux &^ the Gen* told
jne coming along that he would appoint some Person
to take care of the Tools, and to take some of the
"best carpenters when we come up. Promised to give
liim a Return of the Stores to morrow.
Thursday — April — 19*** 1759. Waited on the Gen*
"With the Proportion of Stores who gave me the re-
turns he had in order to make mine by. Dined at the
Oenerals — Paid for shoes ;^2.io. o
Friday — 20*. Cap' York came to see me from Eng-
land with the stores, made out another Proportion of
Stores according to the last returns, the Gen* sent me
and gave it to the Gen*, who told me to provide out
of hand everything, except the Forge Carts & the
Empty wool packs, which I sent to the several people,
to compleat out of hand by M"^ Mendez in the after-
noon. Paid for Boots £2. 5. o
Saturday — 21". The Highlanders reviewed this
morning. Rec** a letter from Gen* Amherst, being an
order for Cap' Green to proceed to Louisbourg, to go
with Major Gen* Wolf on the Expedition. According
68 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
sent him orders to that purpose. Rec** letters from
ColK* Bastide, Dies & Coll** Eyre, Cap' York, majors
Ord, Furnis, Green, Dined & Supp'd with me.
Sunday — 22**. Went to Church in the morning.
Told the Gen* that I was in hopes of getting all the
Stores ready to ship of next Saturday. M' Brazier ar-
rived here from Boston. Wrote to M' Dies with an
enclosed.
Monday — 23? The Gen* went to Long Island to re-
view Frazers Highlanders.
Tuesday — 24'!' Went to the Levee. Gave the Gen*
a minute about the stores also a list of the Engineers
and the occasional ones. Spoke to him about their
Pay & for the stores providing. Coll** Bastide arrived
at the Levee between 1 2 and one o'clock — supped and
lay at my house.
Wednesday — 25*** Went to the Glass house to Din-
ner, at Cap' Green's invitation. Paid M' Read for 2
Casks of Teneriffe wine per the hands of M' Men-
dez ;^ 1 5. 10. o
Thursday — 26*** Friday — 27*** Dined at the Generals
with Col° Bastide, spoke to him about stores, he prom-
ised it should be paid. Went to the Club.
Saturday — 28*^. The General set out for Albany in
M'' Kilby's sloop. The 15 Guns fired from the Fort
about 4 o'clock in the afternoon for him, he told me
before he went that he had settled all the affairs for
the payment of the Stores but was not told to whom.
Sunday — 2^\ The Gen* was still at anchor opposite
to M' Kilby's at 6 o'clock in the evening.
Monday — 30th. Paid M"" Carpender, Butcher for
meat to this day ;^22.i5. o
May — I*' 1759. Tuesday. Paid for the Rent of my
house in the following Jersey Bills, four of each t£
each & one of 2i£ amounting to in new York Currency
;^29.5.o — in silver 15 shillings £7P* O- o
Paid M' Willett for both my housekeeping to this day.
Six 3 pound Jersey bills amounting in N. York Cur-
rency to ;^ 19. 10. o
JOURNALS OF COU JAMES MONTRESOR. 69
Wednesday — 2"^ Major Ord set out for Albany but
was seen at anchor opposite to Greenwich in the
Evening, with the Sloops of the 17*** Regiment Be-
gan to load our sloop with stores ^. Wrote to the
Board with my monthly Return, also a plan of the
Block-house at Fort Edward with its sections dated
May I"? Rec** a letter from the Board with Cap' Green's
leave.
Thursday — 3'? Wrote to Cap' Green per M' Adair
with a copy of the Boards letter to me about his leave.
Paid M' Latouche for Brown Shrub &c two, three
pound Jersey Bills — £6. 10 £^. 8. 6
Friday — 4* Paid M*" Mendez on ace' of Cartage &^
in Jersey bills — two 30 shillings — 3 of one shilling=
^^3.8.3. Paid M'' M^'Evers in Jersey Bills as follows
2 Three £ bills, one 30 shilling bill, one ten shilling
bill and i* 6 pence in Silver, the whole amounting
to ;^8.i7. o
Dined at M' Mortier's at Greenwich. Rec** Duplicates
of the letters from the Board of the 29*** December and
13* January.
Saturday — 5***. Cap' James and Cap' Forster who
brought me some letters from Gibralter with some
anchovies & olives from M' Haswell. Captain Morris
and Captain Schomberg supped with me.
Sunday — 6* Brig' Prideaux, Cap' Morris dined with
me, and Cap' Schomberg with them, supped with me.
Monday — 7'^ Paid G5ny for a wig. ... ;^3. o. o
And 4 months dressing wigs — at 18 shil-
lings per month 4. 8. o
Paid M' Lamb for Instruments 17. 2. 6
Paid M' Mendez his pay to i*' May. . * . . . 10. 9. 3
Paid M' Noel 11. 15. o
Paid remainder of cartage 12.0
Paid M' Callow for two Covers i. 2. o
Mess" Turner, Garth, Schaack, Hawkins
supp** with me.
^45- 8. 7
JO JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Tuesday — 8 Sent my Baggage on board the sloop
for Albany. The Wind proved so high at West that
we could not sail. Dined at M'' Mortier s & came back
again to my own house. Gave to pay M' Gilchrist,
Taylor ^48.0.0 — Left with my wife ;^ 1 26. o. o
Wednesday — 9*. Set out in the Delancy sloop. Cap*
Vanberger from New York at 8 o'clock in the morning.
Wind at west & when under sail was hail'd by a sloop
with Cap' Darcy on board who came on board our
Sloop & gave me a letter from the Gen* Amherst be-
tween 8 and 9. Came to Anchor at Wyhock opposite
the Glass house at \ past 10 in the morning, and dined
at the Ferry house. Set sail about 4 in the afternoon
and got up as high as Dobson's ferry 5 miles above
the Younkers and there anchor d.
Thursday — 10* Set sail at 5 in the morning. Wind
at North but shifted to South about 1 2. Passed Ver-
planks about 2, the wind Continuing Fresh. At 5
passed the Highlands. At sunset off the Dance Cam-
ber, against the Tide, which flowed about 7 o'clock.
Friday — ii**" Run all night, came to Kinderhook
about nine o'clock in the morning. Ran the sloop
aground at 12 o'clock at Hell Gate, between Quee-
man's Islands, and saw several Sloops aground in the
western Channel. We were not aground above an
hour, but got off as the Tide was rising. Passed
Staats Island at \ past 4 in the afternoon. Wind
Shifted at North and N. Wf and forc'd to come to,
anchor at Dominy Hook, 4 miles from Albany at 6
o'clock in the evening.
Saturday — 12* Arrived at Albany at 8 o'clock in
the morning, waited on Gen* Amherst who told me
that he had a design to put in Execution, the design
at Niagara, and ordered the following Engineers tor
that Department viz' Lieu' Sowers from Fort Edward,
L* Williams at Fort Stanwix, Ensign Demler, Ensign
Fisher to go to Fort Stanwix. Cap' Garth to go to
Fort Edward. Lay at Captain Dow's.
Sunday — 13* Gave the Gen* a proportion of Stores
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 7 1
»
necessary for the Western Department, also the weight
of them. Gave him also my Project on Ticonderoga.
Wrote to Co^ Eyre & Lieu' Sowers with orders to
come to Albany. Dined at Brig^ Gages, Sent from
thence by the Gen* about the Road from Fort Stanwix
to Harkemers & brought M' Dies to inform him. It was
settled that M' Dies should go to the Northward as Di-
recting the Carpenters & M' Clements to the Westward.
May 14* 1759 Monday Dined at Lavenue — sent for
by the General to let me know that he would send the
stores away to the Mohock river on Wednesday morn-
ing. Rec*^ a letter from Lieutenant Williams.
Tuesday. 15*. Wrote to Lieu* Williams to proceed
with the works & to stay there till farther orders, by
M' Phister who set out this day for F' Stanwix.
Wednesday — 16'** Sent part of the Stores in Wag-
gons to Schenectady with Ensign Demler & M"" Clem-
ents they went about 10 and 1 1 o'clock a.m. Waited
on the GenL Gave him a memorial relating to the
Engineers having Baw men. An Adjutant with a
Serj' to give out orders & have the same regard as
the officers of the Army — the Gen* did not seem to
think it unreasonable, also represented to him, the
necessity of having a number of stores ready lodged
here to send to any Department if required. He
agreed to it, also that there was stores in the Quarter
master General's charge which he would order, to be
given to the Ordnance. Accordingly Major Mony-
penny brought me an ace' for M' Black which I took a
copy of The General sent to me to let me know that
he would have all the Stores & every thing go together
therefore he would have M' Demler to give the charge
of the said stores to M' Clements and M' Demler to
proceed.
Thursday — 17*. Wrote to my wife & Coll** Bastide
per the Post Coll° Amherst came to me from the
Gen' to desire I would as soon as possible make a
Post at Oswego for 500 men, in lieu of that I designed
for 1000.
72 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Friday — 18* Carried to the General the Post for
Oswego, who approved of it and Block house for 20
men. Ordered also that the Proportion of Tools I
had made to be kept in Store at Albany when occa-
sion for them Should be provided, and order'd it in
writing at the foot of it
Ordered also the additional Tools to be wrote &
put down, the rest order'd & sent to the Department
of the Mohawk River.
Order'd also 3 Posts to be made as follows
At the North East end of Oneyda Lake 50 Men
At the West end of Oneyda Lake 150 do
At Oswego Falls 100 do
The above Posts to be retrenchments with a Ditch
& a Block house in the Center with Flankers at
each opposite angle on which swivel Guns are to be
mounted.
May — 18* 1759. Friday. Carried to the General
the fair Plan of Oswego with the proportion of Stores
designed for that post, also L' Sowers Instructions all
which I left with him, and approved of the whole.
He desired I would sketch Plans of the several Block
houses proposed in the Posts of the mohock river,
Lake Oneyda, and Oswego Falls for 50, 100 and 150
men. Coll** Townshend dined with us at the mess.
Saturday — 19* Made out a design of a Post for
150 men for the mohock river for Brigadier Prideaux
being a square with Place of Arms in the Center &
gave it to the General in the Evening, with a Block-
house for 50 men. The Gen^ ordered me to enquire
about oxen for Oswego &'' to work, and Ox chains.
The 44* Reg' march'd from hence to Schenectady,
also a Detachment of artillery with 18 pounders Iron.
Sunday — 20*. Rec** a letter from my wife with a
Supplement of a newspaper. Gave L' Sowers his In-
structions. Captain Stretchey, of the Artillery set out
for his Command on the mohock River.
Monday 21*'. Wrote to my wife per Coll** Morris.
Gave a return to the Gen* of the Stores & tools,
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 73
Demanded, Bought & delivered to what place & what
remains in store to the 2i*' May 1759. Wrote to
Lieu* Williams per Lieu' Sowers who set out for his
Department this afternoon. M' Russell employed as
Adjutant to the Engineers & this day began to bring
orders, and is to have Five shillings per day.
Tuesday — 22*1 Wrote to my wife per M' Mendez also
to Harry, who went away this day for New York (with
Coll** Morris) to bring up such stores as may be wanted,
per order of Gen* Amherst. Sent a valise with a
Matrass, Quilt and pair of sheets by him.
Wednesday — 23"* Sent for by the General, with
orders to send Mess" River and Retur to Fort Har-
kemer there to meet M' Phister & to go back with
him to Fort Stanwix along the west side of the river
& there to make a road on the best and highest
ground avoiding the low parts cut with Rivers, and in
the mid way to find a strong Pass &*" where a Block
house might be erected for the security of that road.
Accordingly Horses were pressed for their Service &
they set out. I gave them Instructions & the Gen-
eral's paper for that purpose. Gave the General a
rough draught of the number of the artificers &*" that
will be wanted to Execute what has been proposed at
the Lake. The 17* & 27'** Regiments marched this
Day to the Northward. The Gen^ sent to me an ace*
of a letter from Brigadier Prideaux want of Tools, and
found by Sowers that there was a want of Falling axes
at Fort Stanwix, and caulking Irons which letter I
showed the General. Mess" Gually & Robinson ar-
rived here.
Thursday — 24* — Rec** a letter from Cap' Garth also
a letter from my wife. Wrote to my wife and to L'
Sowers about his Demand, and sent him the ace' of In-
trenching tools sent to Fort Stanwix 1758. Acquainted
the Gen* what I had done in providing Broad Axes 36
at Albany and writing to New York for the 400 Fel-
ling axes, which was approved of. Dined with the
General with M' Gually & M' Robinson. Lieu' Breme
74 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
was ordered by the General to make a Post at Cono-
joxeri on the little Falls — and set out accordingly.
Friday — 25* No Extraordinary s — M' Mortier ar-
rived who dined and supped with me.
Saturday — 26**" Carried to the General the agree-
ment made with the Carpenters, who altered those
parts he thought deficient with his own hand. Gave
him also the Expences for warrants & in the after-
noon, I had two warrants the one for icxxD;^ Sterling,
the other for 1500;^. Supped at M' Mortier s.
Sunday — 27^ Wrote to my wife, and sent it per
Post. Rec*^ from M' Mortier;^338.i7.5 being the bal-
lance due to me out of the ;^ 1000 Sterling granted per
Warrant after the Stores provided at New York were
paid for, amounting to ;^i375.8.3i. The remainder
to pay the Extra Engineers & stores bought at Albany.
Monday — 28* Wrote to Mr* Montresor & enclosed
one for M' Mendez. The General sent to me about the
Contract of the Carpenters, and I told him they would
not go until they were paid what was due to them from
ColP Bradstreet, on which I was sent to Coll** Bradstreet
who told me had no money. Supped at Mortier's.
Tuesday — 29* Paid Jn** Jacob Beekman for 26
Broad axes for the Mohock River ;^ 12.9.0. Paid
J. De Peyster for Stores do ;^6i.i5.6. Paid T. Van
Scheick for Fort Edward;^ 9. 3.0. Rec*^ from ColP Rob-
ertson by the hands of M"^ Russell the Engineer Bal-
lance of Provisions for 6 months amounting to ;^ 66.7.4
Sterling in Currency ;^ 11 3. 15.0 and paid it in M'
Hawkins' hands with his receipt. Wrote to the Board
this day on ace' of an allowance for Tents, as the
artillery. Paid Lavenue for Eating, in Gold ;^i.i i.io.
May 30* 1 759 — Wednesday. M' Dies went to Schen-
ectady to settle with the Carpenters of that Depart-
ment to go with those to the Lake. M' Robinson
came from York and brought me a letter from my wife
and another from Harry. Paid M' Hawkins for the 3
Engineers. Pay from the i*' January to the 30* April
at 5 shillings per Day ;^i54» 5- 8
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 75
To mess" Demler, Phister and River in lo ten pound
bills and i t five pound bills.
Thursday — 31" Rec** letter from my wife with the
newspapers & one from Mendez. Wrote to my wife,
Coll° Bastide & m' Mendez.
June I** Friday. Wrote to the Board with the
Monthly return, & disposition of the Engineers. The
Artillery & 42** Reg^ Highlanders marched off this day.
Signed the Articles for the 25 Carpenters with Vaness
to commence this day. Gave the General a fair plan
of Oswego to Send home, Ordered one of the block
house &^
Saturday — 2"*^ Wrote to my wife and inclosed one
for Mendez per Hogan's sloop. Gave the General the
Plans of the Block house & Post on the Oneyda lake
to send home. The General told me before Brigadier
Gage that I might stay at Albany until I had left the
stores coming up in order and send up immediately
400 axes.
Sunday — ^^ Signed the Articles of agreement for
the Carpenters under Bogert, Foreman, to commence
the r* day qf June. Gen^ Amherst & his family set
out for Fort Edward this morning at 8 o'clock. M"
Dies & the 45 carpenters went of in Batteaux with the
stores about 2. Lieu^ Brehm arrived from Conojoxari.
M' Hawkins put in arrest by Captain Martin. Supped
at Brigadier Gage's. Wrote to my wife and Harry by
M' Robinson. Wrote also to my wife per the Post.
Monday — 4* Paid for Rope and Lines. . . ;^4.ii- 6
Rec** a letter from Mendez, also the 400 felling axes,
Caulking Irons and paper. Gen* Gage dined with us.
Paid on Contingent ;^ io» o- o
Tuesday — 5. Wednesday — 6*** Paid La Venue for
mess £^. 2. 3
two 2 pound bills, 2 shillings in Silver and 3 coppers.
Wrote to M' Frederick with a plan of the attack of
Ticonderoga, also wrote to my wife by m" Pitcher, who
set out in the Sloop this day.
Thursday — 7*. Rec** letters this morning from Coll**
76 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Bastide & Eyres also from my wife which I answered,
hers the same day.
June — 8* 1759. Friday Wrote to Col^ Eyre per
the Express. Paid La Venue to this day supper in-
cluded, amounted to ;^i.i5. 7
Saturday — 9* — Paid La Venue for Dinner and
Supper amt** to ;^ i. o. 6
Sunday — 10'*' — Rec** letters from my wife, Harry &
m' Mendez and wrote to my wife per post.
Monday — 11*. Delivered to m" Mortier a Warrant
for ;^ 1 500 Sterling from Gen^ Amherst to provide tools
at New York. This Warrant dated the 26* day of
May 1759 at Albany. Paid Mr Cartwright \ ^ ^
for Paper ....] ^^' ^' ^
Tuesday — 12*. Settled accounts with M' Hawkins
& the Ballance of what he owes me isj^29i.i.ii St?
Deducted for the followin
oersons-
M'Mendez'spay to the30*June;^i2. 4. o
M' Hussell do do 31" May 7.15. o
M' Batier do do 31. do 10.17. ^
Sterling ;^30. 16. o
Ballance ;^ 260. 5. 12 Sterling ;^446. 3. o
Paid into m' Hawkins in bills &c 43- ^ 7- o
and Rec** a note on M'' Apthorpe which I ) ;^490. o. o
endorsed to Mrs Montresor )
Tuesday 12* M' Mortier gave me a bill on M' Ap-
thorpe for ;^i5oo Sterling for a Warrant for the same
summ. Wrote to my wi^ and Coll** Bastide and sent
my letters, 2 to the Board & one to M' Frederick
by M' Mortier who went in a Sloop from hence about
5 o'clock in the Evening.
Wednesday — 13'*'. Ordered Mess" Russell & Brazier
to proceed for Fort Edward to morrow. The former
set out this afternoon.
Thursday — 14*^ Sent away all my Baggage with 2
Waggons for the Half moon this day. Rec** a letter
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. ^^
from my wife & news paper, Answered the said letter
per post, also wrote to M' Mortier and inclosed him
the Note for ;^ 1500 Sterling he gave me on M' Ap-
thorpe, as M' Mendez had paid for the tools and
brought the Ballance of the Sum up, which I desired
he ivould lodge in M'Hawkin's hands. Paid Le Venue
^ 1. 13,6 for Eating &c. Paid M' Mendez for a Hanger
^6.18.0.
yune — 15* 1759. Friday — Set out from Albany at
10 o'clock with Gen* Gage, Mess" Napier, Goodin &
several other Generals, & came to Van Orman's, and
g^ot in a whale boat & came to Half Moon and dined
a.t the Widows. Rained & thunder'd. Set out at 4.
Came to Still Water. Lay in the Officer's Barracks
No rest for the Rats.
Saturday — 16*. Waited for the Escort, and did not
5=3et out until 12 or i, and got to Saratoga at 7. Lay
Encamp'd.
Sunday — 17* Rained in the morning and set out
^t 1 1 & arrived at Fort Miller between i and 2, where
>.ve staid and dined with Cap' Gordon of the Royal. 2
^Regiments encamp'd at the Falls — Blakenays and
Torbes. Lay there.
Monday — 18*. Set out from Fort Miller in a whale
£oat and came to Fort Edward about 1 2 at noon. En-
cramped with the Artillery on the right of Major Ord.
IRec** a letter from M'' Hawkins. Thunder and Light-
ning and Wind.
Tuesday — 19* — Rec** 3 letters from the Board &
one from M' Boddington. Wrote to my wife & en-
<:losed to her M' Boddington's and Jemmy's letters.
Dined at Best's with Garth and Dies. Wrote to M'
Boddington. Also wrote to M' Hawkins to send my
tent.
Wednesday — 20*. Shewed the General the several
letters received from the Board, also that of my leave,
and Cap* Green's which he agreed to after the Cam-
paign is over. He also told me that he would set out
for the lake to morrow, and I was to attend him. Or-
78 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
dered M' Dies with the Albany Carpenters and 13
Waggons to be ready at Daybreak, also the Engineers
Cap' Garth and L' Retzer, at the same time. Left a
distribution of Tools for the Fort & Block houses of
Fort Edward.
Thursday — 21" Marched from Fort Edward with
Gen* Amherst, Brigad' Gage, the 17* and 27*, 42**,
Lyman's, Whiting s, F'itch's, with some Artillery and
took post at the Lake, at four o'clock p m & En-
camped there.
Friday — 22** Set out the Fort at Johnson's Camp
and marked it out roughly. The General present.
Rec** letter from mrs Montresor, Bastide & Green.
Saturday — 23""? Wrote to my wife & enclosed Lucy's
2 letters & the one of my sister's Nancy Wrote to
my wife & sent to me to peruse. Corrected the Fort
laid out yesterday & had it drawn out. Several boats
with the Ennemy seen amongst the Islands & pursued
some officers that were fishing.
June — 24'^ 1759. Sunday, Rec** 2 letters, the one
from W Furnis, the other from M' Hawkins. Ordered
Mf Brazier to survey the Ground on which the Post
is to be built on, which he did, found the Angle to the
South too acute. Dined with Brigadier Page. Went
to the General in the afternoon and shewed him my
letters about the stores not coming for want of Wag-
gons who ordered them to be brought up directly.
Monday — 25*\ Several French boats seen about
the Islands, crossing the lake. Rec** a letter from my
wife, also from Mess" Sowers and Hawkins with a re-
turn of Stores wanting to be sent up to Fort Stanwix,
in lieu of those taken away.
Tuesday — 26*** Wrote to M'' Hawkins with General
Amherst's order to send to Fort Stanwix the Stores
taken from thence by Lieu' Sowers pursuant to Gen*
Amherst's order. Also wrote to my wife under above
cover. Rec** a Packet from Fort Stanwix Stores
&c.
Wednesday — 27**" — Went to the General who or-
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 79
dered me to make a Proportion of Stores for Fort
Stanwix in lieu of that sent by M*^ Fister accordingly
made one out to be sent to M" Hawkins. The Gen-
eral ordered 2 Posts to be Executed, one for 20 men
on the highest Bastion another for 100 men on the
Point, next the lake.
Thursday — 28***. Coll** Eyres and I agreed upon
altering the Plan of the Fort and he also set out the
Post of Logs for 100 men at the Point. Received a
letter from Lieutenant Colquhoun.
Friday — 29* Sent a return of the Brigade of En-
gineers to Colonel Townshend. Corrected the Fort
again. Rec** letter from my wife & M" Mortier, also
newspapers. Answered my wife's letter.
Saturday — 30*. The Jersey blue lime burner began
to work this day. Rec** a letter from Cap' Green from
Louisburg dated the 3*^ of June. Gave my first Plan
of the Fort to the General. The General Wall Packet
Captain Botisor with Coll** Bastide Sc** sailed the 25**" of
June.
July. I*.' Sunday. Rec** a letter from M*^ Gray
Johnson acquainting me, he had drawn on me for pay
owing to him, two years ago.
Monday — 2"*^ Rec** letters from my wife, Hawkins
and Mendez. Answered my wife's letter, but did not go.
Tuesday — July — ^^ 1759- Gave Best a permit for
6 Barrels of Rum one Barrel of Jamaica Spirits, one
Barrel of Brandy & one of Shrub for the Department
of Engineers.
Wrote to my wife, M' Mortier and Hawkins.
Wednesday — 4***. Wrote to the Board with a Monthly
and General return dated July the 1*', also wrote a line
or two to my wife. An account brought by the Indians
that the Ennemy had numbers of Boats at the first nar-
rows on the Lake. Turned out to be only Fires. Sent
all the letters per post. The General told me that he
proposed keeping me here to carry on this Work of
the Forts & that it was an essential point. Gave the
General a list of Artificers necessary for that service.
8o JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Thursday — 5* July. Gave the General a Plan of
Montreal, also the list of Stores wanted at the Lake to
be brought from Albany. The General told me, that
I should have one of the Etat Major left with me under
my Command
Friday — 6^** Gave an order to the Commissary for
8 Boxes of Felling Axes & sold one box of miner's
tools — also for 3 days Provision of Fresh meat. Rec**
letter from my wife & newspapers & the ace' of Stores
sent to Fort Stanwix, answered my wife's letter &
gave it to m" Furnis to enclose in his packet to Haw-
kins.
Saturday — 7***. Wrote to my wife & to M' Mendez
ordering him up with the Stores at Albany — also wrote
to M" Hawkins & sent him the Proportion of Stores
wanted here at Lake George, enclosed to m' Hawkins.
Gave the Waggoners a pass to go to Albany. The
General told me that he wanted a list of all the Arti-
ficers & the Regiments they belong to given in to mor-
row in order to have them kept here, also that he
would leave 50 rounds of Ammunition for every thing.
The Radeau begun this day.
Sunday — 8*^ Wrote to M' Hawkins and inclosed it
to Volkert Dow being the account of the time, his two
Waggons were employed the one from the i" day of
June to the 11* July included being 41 days at ten
shillings per day ;^20. 10. o
The other from the day we set out being the i ^ of
June to the above time 27 days at ten shillings per
day , ;^ 1 2. ID. o
The Waggoners set out this day. Gave the General
the names of those Artificers employed, to be kept
here.
July 9th 1759 Monday. Rec** a letter from my wife,
another from m' Hawkins & Mendez. The General
sent to me to know if I had made choice of a Field
officer to be here, and by Major Moneypenny sent
word to the General that if he pleased I would chuse
Major Durky of the Provincials.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 8 1
July ID. Tuesday. Wrote to my wife, M" Hawkins
and Cap* Coventry about seeds. The General told us
that he had an account from Oswego that Brigadier
Prideaux was sail'd for Niagara and that L' Sowers,
Engineer was wounded in the woods by a Party of the
Ennemy.
Wednesday — 1 1* Wrote to my wife & m' Hawkins,
to Cap* Stirling & M' Man store-keeper about the
Forges & Stores at Fort Edward The above letter
did not go.
Thursday — 1 2***. A Party went out on the Lake with
an 1 8 Pounder in a Boat, & fell in with the Ennemy
beyond the i" Island & fir'd at them. We had a Ser-
jeant killed and one or two wounded. The Ennemy
remained and the Party came in at night.
Friday — 13***. Rec"* a letter from my wife, Mess"
Hawkins and Coventry and one newspaper.
Saturday — 14^^ Wrote to M' Mortier with bills drawn
on him for;^35o New York Currency, also wrote to
M' Hawkins & wife. Paid into Ensign Gray's hands
of the 42** Reg* 250;^ currency to pay the several Arti-
ficers employed on the Posts & at Fort Edward under
Colonel Eyre.
Sunday — 15*^ Rec** from General Amherst my In-
structions for to take the Command at this post, to see
that the Fort be built with all Dispatch. He also en-
closed to me Major Durgies Instructions for his remain-
ing here with me. Dined with him on a Turtle.
Monday 16*** Rec** letter from my wife & one from
Captain Bontein from Anapolis. (Nova Scotia). Wrote
to my wife.
Tuesday — 1 7*. Wrote to my wife. Paid into
M' Dies' hands to pay the Sawyers in bills New
York £2^. o. o
Rec** a letter from M' Sowers from Oswego with an
account of 1500 of the Ennemy attacking their Re-
trenchment the 6*** and 7* of July but were repulsed
both times & he shot through the head in the action
on which Ensign River was ordered there immediately
6
82 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
to assist him in the work. Wrote to Captain Sowers
by M"" River, who set out this day. A Flag of truce
came in by water.
July — 18*** 1759. Wednesday. Wrote to my wife.
This day the General ordered that all the whale Boats
and Batoes should be put in the East creek, and se-
cured by a Serjeant and 12 men at the Post, day &"
night, and a corporal and 6 men night guard only at
the little Post, above the swamp to the East of the Fort
building. Small ditch to be dug round the Garden,
the Earth to be thrown up in the Inside and fall (en
Glacis) to the Ditch.
Thursday — 19* Paid to m' Dies, for paying sundry
artificers &c £2^. Rec** a letter from M' Hawkins
recommending Mess" Ogelvie and Neufville from Car-
olina. Drawn on M*^ Mortier in favour of Best for;^ 100
New York currency. Rec** letters from my wife and
newspapers. Rec** from M' Best only ;^ 10. Seventy
of it was taken out of the Debts due to him by the
mess, which they are to account with me for.
Friday — 20**" Paid M' Russell to pay y*" works ;^25. 8.0
The General told me that he would go to morrow for
the Lake. To M*^ Retzer;^24.i2.o being his ballance
of;^55.4.o for his pay to the i" of August and re-
turned him his receipt for ;^ 10. 17.0 Sterling from
Hawkins on my account, and £\2 for his messing.
From Ferguson drew for;^320.
Saturday 21'' The General beat this morning at 2
and the tents were struck at 3 and by 4 the remainder
of the artillery & regiments began to Embark & were
all Embarked by 10. The General staid till all was
Embarked Except some artillery stores which did not
fo off till . Got from Forsyth on bill ;^4 13. 17.0.
wo mortars sunk and some Powder.
Sunday — 22"** Order d every man to be under arms
at 12 o'clock. The boats to be calked. Platform
made for the mortars to be got up, but left one behind
in the Water, and went away with one & a sling cart
carriage some fix't ammunition and cartridges. They
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 83
got off with Cap' Hill's company in the Evening.
Came in the Evening 5 companies of Provincials viz'
Cap' Ruggles of Whiting s, Cap' Wilmot, Cap*^ Sam-
uel Whiting, Cap' Fellows of Willards, Cap' Ferris
of Worster's consisting of 260 men. I ordered the
following one at the wharf, at the Post next East
Creek. Corporal night Post Camp Guard and a
Picket with 144 men for work the next day.
Monday — 2^ Wrote to General Amherst & sent it
by Serjeant Wells of the Rangers who set out about
3 o'clock. The Post came in about 6, sent him off.
directly. I had no letters by it This day Gave orders
for the Alarm Post, & to fix the hours of work. M'
Mendez came in with the Stores from Albany.
Tuesday — 24'** July 1759. Paid m" Mendez ;^5o to
pay the Workmen. M" Furnis set out for Fort Ed-
ward at 4 this afternoon.
Wednesday — 25'** This morning at 5 o'clock received
an Express by letter from the General acquainting
me, that he had taken possession of the French lines
before Ticonderoga the 23"* and had Established his
camp near the place but under cover. Except Ricochet
shot & shells, that he sent 20 wounded men to the
Hospital & that Ensign Harrison of Forbes was killed,
that he sent the New Hampshire Regim' to Oswego
& desired me to forward them with all dispatch. I
wrote to my wife & acquainted her of this, enclosed
in a letter to M' Hawkins, also wrote to M' Furnis by
the Express which left this place at 6 in the morning.
Went out with m' Dies and Vaness to visit the West
Creek for a place for a saw mill & pitched & ordered
one to be built, with a log house for a Serjeant & 12
men. About 4 o'clock this afternoon a Batteaux came
back with 5 Scalps in it, which had been killed by
some Indians 10 miles to the West. On which I wrote
a letter to the General acquainting him of it & that I
had sent Captain Reed & 26 Provincials and given
Ammunition to the Waggoners who were going at the
same time in the great boat with 70 horses. Also
84 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
acquainted him of the Receipt of his letter. That
m" Furnis, was gone & the 20 wounded men come in
the hospital. The sick cleared to Fort Edward. New
Hampshire Reg^ with L' Small of the 42** came in from
Ticonderoga.
Thursday — 26* Wrote to Cap^ Sterling & M' Mure
about the 50 felling axes & to send up the Smith's
forge &c. The New Hampshire regVset out this morn-
ing for Oswego. Rec** a letter from my wife.
Friday — 27* This morning rec** 3 letters from Coll**
Amherst, in relation to sending Iron work for a saw
mill. The deserter & Col^ Townshend's Corps which
I directed to be rec*^ by a Cap' & 2 Subalterns & 50
men at the water side, & put the corps in a Waggon
cover'd with Boughs & marched half the party in front,
the rest in the rear, the parsons & Commanding officer
of corps marched with it to the foot of the Hill. Wrote
the officer of Half-way brook & Fort Edward to con-
vey the Corps with all possible speed, paid m' Mendez
to pay the Carpenters £9^- o. o
Wrote to the officers of the several Posts to forward
Coll** Townshends corps to Albany also forwarded 2
French prisoners.
Saturday — 28^^ July — 1759. At 3 o'clock this
morning Coll° Amherst and L' Skinner of the Artil-
lery came to my Tent with the news of Ticonderoga
being in our possession, the Ennemy having evacuated
it and blew their magazine up in the Bastion, they
both are designed for England & set out from hence
at 6 o'clock. Some time after a number of boats came
in from the army for Provisions, also came in 20 de-
serters which I forwarded thr*". Wrote to the Board
by Coll° Amherst with an account of the Evacuation of
Ticonderoga, setting fire and going away. Also from
Oswego and Niagara and L' Sower Shot in the Head,
but not dangerously and L* Williams at Niagara shot
into the head and lost one of his eyes. Wrote to my
wife an account. Twenty deserters came in with a
Detachment of an hundred Batteaux for Provisions &
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 85
went away in the Evening. We celebrated the taking
of Ticonderoga by making bonfires on the highest part
of the Camp and giving the workmen one Gill of Rum
apiece.
Sunday — 29* — The Post came in from the Lakes.
Wrote a few lines to my wife & sent it by him. Rec**
a letter from Coll° Eyres & one from L' Rose with his
Fishing net. Sent Caesar to the Fort Guard for at-
tempting to run away.
Monday — 30* Between 12 and i this morning I
was awaked by Brigad' Gen! Gage who came from Ty-
conderoga & was going to Oswego. As Brigadr Gen*
Prideaux was killed by one of our Cohorn Mortars,
He brought me 2 letters from Coll** Robertson & one
•from Cap* Abercromby who gave me that acc\ He
slaid & breakfasted & dined with me, with M' Fenton,
L* Beckhouse & Nason going to England they sat
out for Fort Edward about 4 p m with an Escort of
one officer & 20 men. Rec** letters from M*^ Furnis
with another from my wife & enclos*^ one from L' Sow-
ers. Rec** an ace' of Stores wanting to be sent to
Fort Stanwix from him. By the same ace' that brought
the news of Brigad' Prideaux' death bro' also that of
Coll** Johnson being killed & that Williams, Engineer,
had his eye shot out & was in a dangerous way, 2
officers of the 44*** wounded & that they were not
above 200 yards from the Fort. Confined 2 men of
the Light Infantry for Robbery & put them in the
Fort.
yuly — 31" 1759 Tuesday — Confined Conrad Sharp,
sutler for harbouring the above prisoners and having
money found about him belonging to the person
robbed.
Ordered Major Ducher to put the Iron on the leg
of the deserter. Wrote to Coll** Robertson 2 letters,
on account of his brewing per Serjeant Curie. Wrote
to ColI° Eyre by M' Brazier. Wrote to the General
by M' Brazier on the Persons I had confined for Rob-
bery on Col° Robertson's brewery sent away this day.
86 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
On the distress of the works. M' Brazier went away
from hence at 2 o'clock p m. Released the sutler at
night on account, his tent being exposed to the camp.
V.
Journal (N*" 5) of Col. James Montresor From
August i" to 31" of December 1759.
1759. August V} Wednesday. Rec^ a letter from
Cap* Garth from Tyanderoga by the Express and sent
by him a letter to my wife with one enclosed for Harry.
Also wrote to M' Furnis. Ordered every man of Duty
to be employed in the King s works. A survey of
Provisions to be by Major Durkey, Cap* Hastings,
Lieu* Retzer and Fitch and M*^ Dies, which was done.
Thursday — 2"** Paid NP Mendez on account £ 1 7 i.o.o
Major Gordon Graham came in here about 12 o'clock,
& brought the news that the Ennemy had blowed up
& Evacuated Crown Point & that he was going to take
the Command of the 2** Battalion of the 42** which he
should find at Saratoga, and march'd them to convoy
Stores, Artillery and provisions to Oswego. Rec** a
letter from General Amherst dated August the 1*', also
another from Lieu* Rose 55*? The two Carolina Gen-
tlemen came from Tiandaroga.
Friday — 3"^ Rec*^ a letter from Cap* Prescot con-
cerning George Hicks sending him thr^ the Posts to
New York, Also rec** a letter from my wife. The Ex-
press came in from Albany with an Ace* of the taking
of Niagara with 600 Prisoners. Sent George Hicks
with a serjean* & 6 men to the next Post. Rec*^ a letter
from the General at 10 at night with orders for the
several commanding officers in the communication and
Albany. Sent in Express in half an hour after, and
wrote for tools at York and Albany. Lieu* Moncrief
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 87
came Express from Niagara & brought me a letter
from M' lowers, also saw the Plank sent to the Gen-
eral, a pentagon & square. He came in about 12 &
Avent at i in the morning.
Saturday — 4* Wrote to the General with M'' Sower's
letter, forgot also that he wrote to me, with a Propor-
tion of Carpenters tools &*^ sent with M"^ Mendez.
Rec** an Express from Albany that came from Boston
with an ace* of Gen* Wolfe's landing the 5* July, 5
miles from Quebec Sent it off at half past 1 1 in the
morning. The General marched to Crown Point this
day, with the Grenadiers, light Infantry, Rangers &
all the Regulars. Schuylers, Ruggles, Fitch's, Bab-
cock's march to-morrow.
Sunday — 5*^ Gave orders for seizing of Rum in the
Camp & to put it in the king's Commissary's magazine,
which was done.
August — 6'*' 1759. Monday. Wrote to the Board
with monthly return and Copy of Gen* Amherst's letter
to me for keeping me at Lake George, with some short
abstract of the success we have had. Also wrote to
M' Frederick with an ace' of the whole, and gave them
to Cap* Prescot who was going Express for England
and set out from hence this Evening at 6 o'clock. Also
gave him a letter to my wife of this day's date. Rec"*
a letter from the General dated yesterday. Paid the
Express on his receipt which he should have carried
to M' Mortier ^^5. o. o
Tuesday — 7^ Rec** letters from my wife, from Mess"
Furnis & Hawkins with one from Goldfrass and Synes
about shoes for Coll° Robertson. Wrote to M*^ Haw-
kins and enclosed Sower's letter & stores he de-
manded. Sent by a Serjeant going Express to Os-
wego. Wrote to Coll** Robertson about his shoes.
Wednesday — 8* To am' paid M' Dies to pay the
carpenters in part of their pay 14 rec**;^5 — 7 rec"* 10
sh«* — 8 rec**;^8. i rec** i£. i.s i d — in all ;^ 160.0.0 Gave
an order for Seven cows or oxen belonging to Mich*
Denecher to go on board the large Boat. Sent my
88 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
letter dated yesterday to the Gen' with the Papers Re-
lating to the rum seized and the Court martial, also
sent the letter to Coll"* Robertson. Rec** a letter from
Coll"* Express.
Thursday — 9^** Rec** a letter from Coll"* Whiting
dated Aug* 4 and answered it by a Surgeon going to the
Army M' Ball with a letter to M*^ Appy. An Express
set out from hence to Gen' Wolf, by the way of Boston
and up some of the rivers, that runs into the River S'
Lawrence. Sent Coll** Whiting a Grindstone.
Friday — 10* Rec"* 2 letters from the General the
one relating to the sending the detachments from this
Post and Half way brook & from that to Fort Edward,
also another letter from the General about approving
my seizing the Rum and to put the sentence of the
Court martial in Execution and to send up 2 deserters
of Gage's, also a letter from Coll° Robertson with di-
rections to send 3 Barrells of molasses as soon as they
arrive. Wrote to my wife by the Express to Albany.
Sent the two deserters of Gages viz' Fielding and
Philips to the Army per General Amherst's orders
under the care of an Officer and Seven rangers.
August — ii^** — 1759. Saturday. An Express came
in this morning at 7 o'clock with 2 Baggs sealed for
the General, with a paper from L' Coventry acquaint-
ing the Posts that the Packet from England came in
to York last Tuesday the 7*** Instant. About an hour
after came an Express from Boston with letters from
Gen* Wolf that he landed with his Army without the
loss of a man & that the 14*** of July his Batterys were
rais'd against Quebec. Rec** a letter from Gen* Am-
herst by Lieu' Rose to send up 8, 4 pounders from
hence with their carriages & to send to Fort Edward for
six, 6 pounders & that he had sent a man of the Artil-
lery for that purpose. Accordingly I sent the Artillery
man to Fort Edward with a letter to Cap' Sterling and
another to Cap' Schuyler, for carriages for the Guns.
Sent also per Express the letter for Brigad' Gage &
another to M' Leake.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 89
Sunday — 12*. Delivered to Lieu' Rose several
Stores demanded viz' Rope, Iron, Steel, Sledges,
Hammers, Ironcrows, Oakum, Pitch. Wrote to the
General about several things & sent my letter by
Lieu* Rose, who went off at 9 o'clock this morning.
Rec** a letter from M' Appy — about 8 o'clock at night
Cap' Christie arrived here with Dispatches for Gen*
Amherst from England. He brought me a letter from
Willyams from Albany, and set out in a whale boat for
Crown point about ten at night.
Monday — 13* Rec** 2 letters from the Board of the
31" of March & 24* of April with the new Establish-
ment of Engineers, from M' Boddington with my ac-
counts to the September quarter received & a Bal-
lance in my favour of ;^9ao.6, also a memorandum
from M' Suilly of his having bought to September
12^** 1 758;^ 800 New South Sea Annuities. Wrote to
my wife & sent her enclosed the letters she sent me of
Lucys two, and one from Cap' Fleming. Rec** a let-
ter from Gen* Amherst for 100 Sledges, 100 Wedges,
60 crows of Iron and to write to Coventry for him to
get them up, which I did this day per Express. The
six, 6 pounders from Fort Edward came in here near
Eight o'clock at night.
Tuesday — 14*^ Rec** 2 letters from Major Mony-
penny the one to send James Watkins, deserter try'd
at Crown point and punish'd to be forwarded to Fort
Edward to do his duty also to send down to Albany 5
women sent away from the Camp & to suffer none to
come up and to send this order to all the Posts & let
none remain here but what belongs to the Garrison.
The women are 4 from the i ^^ and one from the
Highlanders. Rec** also a letter from Colonel Whit-
ing.
Wednesday — \^. The Post came in & brought
me no letters from Crown point. Wrote 2 letters to
Gen* Amherst, the one with Coppys of the Boards let-
ters. Printed order relating to the new Establishment
& list of Engineers, the other letter with an account of
90 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Stores wanted, and what had been bespoke. Wrote
Coll** Eyres and Major Monypenny, Sent the first a
printed copy. The whole was sent by Mendez who
went with the Post at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Post
came in from Albany brought me only one letter from
Cap' Johnstone of the 46'^ from Oswego.
August — 16*** — Last night Major Christie came
from Crown point where he had carried his dispatches
from England to the General & showed me his cre-
dentials from Gen* Amherst to be Deputy Quarter
Master Gen* with Rank of Major & was going to join
Brigad' Gen* Gage's army. He set out from hence as
soon as it was light to act as such. M'' Russell with
M^ Shaw came from the other side of the lake with let-
ters from Col^ Eyres & M' Gray & orders from the
General to procure Smith's tools and several others
from the posts, as far as Albany and forward them up.
Friday — 17* Put up an assortment of tools for M'
Russell's ace' for Crown Point & gave M' Russell
some Instructions in order to get them from the Posts
and Albany. Wrote to my wife, Mess" Mortier and
Hawkins by M*^ Russell who set out at one o'clock.
Coll** Bradstreet came in here about 4 o'clock, staid
half an hour & went to Saratoga, on my horse. Rec**
a letter from the General with an order to provide the
tools. Answered the General's letter and sent him
the tools, I sent by the Batoe this day.
Saturday — 18'** Rec** a letter this morning from L*
Brehm with an ace' of Stores, marked by the General
to be sent him. Wrote to the Gen* with the list of
Stores sent Lieut Brehm also sent a letter to L' Brehm
per Express that brought a Box for the General.
Cap' Campbell of Highlanders came here from Crown
point going to Fort Edward for his health. Wrote
to Lieu' Coventry & enclosed letter for New York
for the several Tradesmen for furnishing the propor-
tion of Stores, directed to Goelet and Curtenies in
which was a letter for my wife, sent per Express at
Seven o'clock at night.
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 9 1
August — 19^** 1 759* Sunday — Post from Fort Ed-
ward brought letters none for me, some for the Gen-
eral. Was forced to send them by the sloop, no Batoes
&? Wrote to M' Appy about it. About 9 o'clock rec**
a letter from the Carrying place with an order from
M' Monypenny an order to send a Pox'd woman to
Fort Edward, at the same time. Description of a De-
serter, another woman came & run way ; sent to
have them Confin'd by Flinn which accordingly did.
Monday — 20* Lieu' Meredith of the Light Infantry
passed here from Crown point to Albany in search of
deserters. The deserter & the Pox'd woman with an-
other was sent down with a file of men to Fort Ed-
ward. Lieu' Muir of the Artillery came in here from
the Lake about one o'clock & brought me a letter from
the Gen^ in regard to some 18 and 9 Pounders to be
taken from Fort Edward & Fort Miller, & brought up
here which I am to forward down the Lake.
Tuesday — 21" Rec** a note in the Night from a Clerk
in the Secretary's office that the Box & letter was rec"*
and that the General would answer my letter per next
occasion. Rec** per the Post 3 letters, one from my
wife & from Mess" Russell & Schuyler. Wrote to
Lieu* Gray of the 42"*^ Reg! Set fire to the Brick Kiln.
Wrote to my wife, M' Russell & Hawkins.
Wednesday — 22"*^ Rec** 2 letters from the Crown
point, one from Coll** Robertson about the Shoes &
molasses, the other from M' Appy about the Convey-
ance for Expresses. Wrote to the General about the
French taken up at the Falls near Fort Edward come
from Niagara. Paid M' Mendez to pay 2 Albany Car-
penters discharged $172. Am**^ to ;^68.i6. o
Wrote to my wife, inclosed to M'' Hawkins. Wrote to
Coll** Robertson per Express about the molasses &
Shoes. Wrote to Cap^ Schuyler about the Teamsters.
Cap^ Clegg of the Artillery came from Crown point &
shewed me the General's order to take the Cannon
from New York & Carry it to Albany and gave him
my letters.
92 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Thursday — 23*^ Cap^ Clegg set out, and took the
above letters to Albany. Rec*^ a letter from Major
Gordon for Corporal Sim's wife to go to the Regi-
ment.
Friday — 24^** Rec"* a letter from Col^ Darby to send
him two Cows belonging to him.
Saturday — 25* August — 1759. Wrote to the Gen-
eral in answer to his receiv*^ this morning on several
subjects. Sent y*' list of Drafts. Wrote to Coll"* Rob-
ertson, Sent per the Express, went off from hence at
1 1 in the morning. Wrote to Cap' Stirling, sent him
inclosed the General's letter. The Draughts put on
board, the sloop mutinied which occasioned my send-
ing a Captain & 20 men to take the ring leaders & put
them in a Batoe to keep with the sloop and deliver to
the Commanding officer at the landing place. Wrote
a letter to the General and Another to Coll° Willard
about it. Rec** a letter from my wife with the news-
papers.
Sunday — 26*. Rec*^ in the Evening a letter from the
4 mile Post on taking four French deserters there.
Wrote to the General accordingly.
Monday — 27*. Rec*^ a letter from M' Stephens by
M' Russell with a list of the tools bought of De Peyster
& an ace' of the Turtle my wife sent me. At the Even-
ing the Turtle came with the Tools M"" Russell brought
from Albany.
Tuesday — 28*. Wrote to M' Stephen's storekeeper
being at Albany. A letter with one inclosed for my
wife. Wrote to Cap' Somers with a Copy of the Board's
letter in relation to not sending proper Returns. Also
a printed paper for the new Establishment of Engineers
with the list inclosed to M' Van Schaick, who was to
set out to Oswego. Rec*^ a letter from my wife with
a newspaper, also 2 letters from M' Hawkins with an
ace' of Stores sent from New York. Also Rec*^ a let-
ter from Clements from Oswego & one from Williams
Engineer. Wrote to my wife again.
August 29th Wednesday. Rec"* 3 letters from Gen*
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 93
Amherst, 2 on Sundry affairs & one for 24 Grindstones.
Sent per the Express the letters wrote & mentioned
yesterday. Davis, Contracted Carpenter paid off &
discharged this day. M' Russell Set out this after-
noon and wrote a letter to Hawkins by him.
Thursday — 30. Major Durky came to me this morn-
ing to acquaint me, that he had put Cap' Hastings in ar-
rest for refusing to go on the working party's & making
use of Expressions tending to encourage the people
from working. Wrote to the General about it also sent
him the list of tools sent up. Wrote to Coll° Eyres &
Gerth with the Establishment list of Engineers, Copy
of letters from the Board & to Coll** Darby, Worster &
Major Gordon, also to Coll"* Robertson. M' Russell
came here from Saratoga and left the Stores to follow.
Friday — 31" August — 1759, Staples deserted from
the New Hampshire Reg* & taken, deserted again,
out of the Fort this morning before it was light. Rec**
letters from my wife, M^ Mortier, with a newspaper
enclosed & a letter from Hawkins. Wrote to Major
Monypenny about 2 women that went yesterday and
about the deserter. Rec"* a letter from Gen^ Amherst
in relation to sending some Oxen & sheep of General
Lyman's after the King s in the big Boat. Rained all
Day & no Work.
September i" — 1759 Saturday. Rec** a letter from
Major Monnypenny about the Returns, he sent me a
form, also a letter to the Commanding officer in the
Posts to the same purpose, which I sent down by Burts
the Express. Also sent down a Description of the
deserter of the New Hampshire Reg* which made his
Escape out of the Fort by an Officer of Gen^ Lyman's
going in quest of deserters. Wrote to my wife en-
closed it in M' Hawkin's letter, also to Lieu* Coventry
by La Venue. Wrote to m' Appy per the Express from
bchenectady. Wrote to the General with a list of the
tools & stores, sent to Crown Point by m' Russell, who
went in the Sloop at 6 o'clock in the evening. Wrote
to Captain Rycant.
94 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Sunday — 2°*^. The Albany Carpenters Complained
at their wanting provisions, the Rations not being
sufficient. An Express came from Schenectady from
Maj'or Christie to be forwarded to Crown point with
all dispatch. Also another with only a permit to Gen^
Amherst & back again. Confined Bogert with his
Carpenters for refusing to Work & released them again
in the Evening at M'' Dies request.
Monday — 3*^^. Mustered all the Artificers and found
besides the contracted Carpenters 199 and the Con-
tracted Carpenters 39 — Total 238. Came in this day 24
Sledges, 24 large hammers with a large Box of Black-
smith's tools, Appointed Lieu' Russell of Babcocks
Reg' to be overseer of the Carpenters in Gen-
eral. Settled with M' Newton for the Warrant I
received for ;^ 1000 and received the Ballance amount-
ing to ;^630.i3. 8
Rec** also for the note I paid the Express )
in lieu of M' Mortier j 5- o. o
Rec** a letter from M*^ Appy. Rec"* a letter from my
wife with an enclosed from Coll° Bastide, also letters
from Hawkins & Williams. Wrote to M*^ Mortier by
M'' Newton. Wrote to Major Monnypenny with an
inclosed monthly return by L' Small and Meredith,
who set out with the Post, about 10 pm. Rec** a letter
from Cap' Sowers with a demand of Stores.
Tuesday — 4'^. Wrote to my wife & enclosed it in M'
Hawkin's letter to whom I had sent. a list of Stores to
be sent to Oswego. Wrote to the General & sent
him inclosed Cap' Sowers letter with his demand of
Stores with the list of those I thought immediately
necessary. Wrote to Coll° Eyre, Rec** a letter from
Col** Eyre after.
Wednesday — 5'** Rec*^ a letter from the General with
an order for Stores, also Rec** letters from Coll° Eyre,
Coll"* Robertson, M' Napier, M' Bazier with a Sketch
of Crown Point. Wrote to Coll** Eyre in answer to 2
letters. Wrote to Coll° Robertson, M' Napier & Bra-
zier and sent them with the General's letter I wrote
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 95
yesterday, also with Stores for Crown Point. M''
Mendez brought me the said letters on the other side.
Thursday— 1\ An Express came from Brig' G
Gage at 6-pm & forwarded.
Friday — 7^^ M' Russell came in this morning at 3
o'clock with a letter from the General enclosing a list
of Stores for Oswego, also some ace' to be given about
the masons & finishing the Works. Dispatched M*^
Russell about 9 o'clock for Albany with a letter to M'
Hawkins. Rec"* 3 French Prisoners & sent them for-
ward. An Express came in from Boston, the news
not favourable about Gen^ Wolf Sent to the General my
letter about the works also about M"^ Russell & 2 lists
of Stores sent for Crown point. Paid M"" Mendez to
pay Sundrys ;^ 126.0.0, The Post came in & brought
me a letter from my wife & newspaper. Letter from
M' Hawkins with an ace' of Stores being sent to Half-
moon & others arrived. Letter from L' Coventry
about some he sent viz' Crows, Sledges, Wedges.
Rained all night.
Saturday — S'^. Rec** a letter from the Gen^ in relat-
ing to Cap' Sower's Stores & leave for Cap' L'
Williams to go to New York, also a letter from M'
Appy with a permit for La Venue as a Sutler & a let-
ter from Coll° Robertson & a note from Cap' Cameron.
Wrote to my wife & to Cap' L' Williams in whose let-
ter I inclosed the former. Rained all day very hard.
No work.
Sunday — September 9'** 1759. Sent Wyhasser,
Prisoner on complaint of Hyera Baker for defrauding
him, they made it up and Released him. To M' Men-
dez to pay the works jC^S^' o. o
Rec*^ a letter from the General by Cap' Wheelock be-
ing an order to send Cap' Hastings to Gen^ Lyman in
order to be tryed by a General Court martial for re-
fusing to go with the Working party. Cap' Wheelock
was going to New York with an order from the Gen-
eral to take care of the French Prisoners and he was
to set out at 2 in the morning, Monday.
96 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Monday — lo* Rec** a letter from General Amherst
with an approbation of my proposal in finishing the
Citadel, Bastion Powder Magazine &'' & Barracks for
1 50 men. Wrote to the General in answer to that I
rec** in relation to the Court martial for Cap' Hastings.
Wrote to General Lyman Coll** Robertson & M*^ Appy
but could not send them this day.
Tuesday — 11* Rec*^ letters from my wife M' Mortier
with a box of Snuff and M' Russell with an Invoyce
of Stores, also list of stores sent up to Oswego. Wrote
a letter to the General in answer to his approving
what I mentioned could be finished here in regard to
the works & for Lieu' Retzer's leave to go down
which I gave to the adjutant who went with Cap' Has-
tings to Crown Point with the other letters mentioned
the 10'*' instant.
Wednesday — 12*. Wrote to my wife, and Sent her
enclosed Mortiers letter per the Post Came in the
nails, 48 Casts & Iron Crows. M' Russell arrived
with an ace' that the rest of the Stores were coming.
Thursday — 13'** Began on the east flank of the Bas-
tion Ten feet to raise in the afternoon.
Friday — 14'^ Rec*^ letter from my wife and the news-
papers.
Saturday — 15*^. Wrote to my wife & Cap' Williams
Engineer & gave the letters to Lieu' Retzer. Rec** a
letter from the General on ace' of the Stone masons
& sent by his order L' Pickering & 30 that night.
Governor Glenn arrived here, supped with us & Staid
all night. Wrote to the General. Paid M' Mendez,
to pay the works £^5^- o. o
September — 16'** Sunday. Governor Glenn set out
from here about 10 o clock am. also Lieu' Retzer by
the Generals leave to Albany, being sick. Discharged
2 of the Albany contracted Carpenters viz' Bogert and
Son — Paid off.
September 17'** 1759. Monday. Rain not possible to
work. About 10 o'clock this morning Cap' Redfield
came to me & brought me the Copy of the Court mar-
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 97
tial, on Cap' Hastings who was try'd for refusing to go
on the working party, whose sentence was, broke
ivith disgrace, and to be sent from Post to Post, as he
is not to stay where any post of the Army is. Accord-
ingly I sent him away to the next Post as soon as I
had got the Papers copyed concerning him. Cap'
Glegg arrived here from Albany.
Tuesday — iS*? Cap' Glegg & M' Russell went with
the Express boat in the afternoon to the landing place.
Rec** a letter from the officer commanding at Fort
Hunter about repairs there. Put part of the Stores
on board the Sloop.
Wednesday — 19*. Rec^ a letter from the General in
regard of sending men that were not masons with the
report from the Lieut, also Rec"* a letter from Col^
Eyres with a Sketch of the works at Crown Point.
Wrote 2 letters to the General, one with the Propor-
tion of Stores, the other in answer to the masons, sent
-with a certificate about them signed by L' Boffy and
the Master Mason. Also answered Coll** Eyre's let-
ter & sent them by M' Dies who left this place at 2
o'clock in the afternoon with a fair wind. Cap' Ster-
ling & D' Barr came from Fort Edward & dined with
"US. Finished the Saw mill & began to saw.
Thursday — 20*** Began to set the Carpenters saw-
ing & squaring for the Bastions. Eight mohock In-
dians came in from Fort Hunter to go to the army.
I ordered them 2 days fresh Provisions & Bread.
Rec** a letter from Major West, by a Party of the 55*
going to Fort Edward to fetch some Necessary s.
Friday — 21" Cap* Hay, L' Graham & the rest of
the Quarter Masters of the several Regt* came in here
at one o'clock this morning in order to provide winter
necessarys for their respective Regiments & went to
Albany at 7 o'clock. Rec"* a letter from Cap* Morris
by his servant Rec** a letter from my wife with the
newspapers.
Saturday — 22***. Rec** a letter from the General this
morning by four men come here to shift powder, mend
7
98 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
harness & dive for the Ten Inch mortar, and others
going to the posts below for six and three Pounders
with their shott.
September — 22*^ I759- Saturday. Rec*^ a letter
from M' Appy to send him his bedstead. Wrote to
my wife by the Post Wrote to the General by the
carpenter who went with the Indians. Wrote to Major
Monnypenny by the Serjeant of the 17* who went with
the Drafts. Began the Powder Magazine with two
Masons.
Sunday — 23'*^ Finished the piece of the Flank be-
gan last Thursday sevenight at noon, and began the
North flank after dinner. Wrote to Major West &
Cap' Morris & sent his box by his Bawman.
Monday 24*^ Rec*^ a letter from the General, an-
swered it by Jeffrey Cowper & sent 2 coils of rope &
M*^ Appy's bedstead and Curtins with a letter to him.
Rec** a letter from my wife also from Cap' Green en-
closed in M' Stevens per the Post.
Tuesday— 2^ Jacob Bogert, Foreman of the con-
tracted carpenters discharged this day with an allow-
ance of 4 days going to Albany his accounts for 121
days amt*^ to ^'72. 12. o —
Gave him a certificate for the said sum.
Wednesday — 26'** Wrote to my wife per the Post.
Ordered Mary Jackson and Hannah Webb from Camp.
Also ordered a Court martial on Paul Bergier for
breaking out of the Fort & cutting a woman. Also
one upon Waterman for abusing Cap' Fulsom. The
sentence was that Waterman should beg Fulsom's
pardon & that Paul Bergier to receive 500 lashes. In
the afternoon 4 or 5 regular masons refused to work,
and came to my tent in a mutinous manner on which I
sent them to the Fort Guard & augmented that Guard
with one Captain and ten men.
Thursday — 27'** M' Dies came from Crown point
about 5 pm & brought me a letter from the General
in relation to seamen to be got here & from the posts.
Took a deserter which they took up on the Side of
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. 99
the Lake, and went off from hence & caught below
Bloody Pond.
Friday — 28* Sent Major Durky to the posts to
make an enquiry about Sailors. Rec*^ a letter from
Cap' Sterling by the 1 2 men he sent for Sailors to go
to Crown point
Saturday — 29^** Wrote to the General in answer to
his of the 24*. also to that of the 26*, and also send-
ing him a list of the Sailors that went with Lieu* Beebe
with whom I sent the Deserter of the 17* Reg'. Sent
the above letters by M' Wilson who I referred the
General to on ace' of the Provisions bringing up here
to go over the lake. Sent the 2 1 Sailors off with the
Deserter under the charge of Lieu' Beebe which sailed
for Ticanderoga about 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Rec** letters from my Wife, Fumis, Williams with
newspapers. About 5 in the afternoon fell down back-
wards, down a hill going to the Saw Mill having over-
looked that there was no hand rail & strained myself
and hurt in such a manner that I was hardly able to
get home. Went to my bed by the help of 3 per-
sons. Doctor Nicholson being at Fort Edward, was
not blooded but was rubbed with oppadildock.
Sunday — 30"* Next day. fomented with spirits of
wine and camphor, when Doctor Nicholson came, who
only prescribed a Draught to take at night.
October i" 1759 Monday, abed, not able to move.
Tuesday — 2^ abed. Rec*^ a letter from the General
to send all the sailors from the Post to Crown Point.
Wednesday — 3"* Rec*^ letter from the General to send
Babcock's reg' to Crown point & to order Cap' Gay-
lard from Half way brook here and leave a subaltern
& 20 men behind — the above letter was sent from Fort
Edward.
Thursday — 4'** abed, not able to move.
Friday — 5'** Babcock's went on board with Lieu'
Roffy in boats and went away. Cap' Hay came in
with the Written Necessarys. The Sloop loaded.
Abed, not able to move.
lOO JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Saturday — 6* The Sloop sailed. L* Graham came
in with more necessary's for Ditto. Wrote to my
wife. CoU^ Darby arrived here and staid all night
here. Wrote to the General in answer to the Sending
Babcock's to Crown point, also sent him an estimate
of the Works & cash wanting to compleat the same.
Rec*^ a letter from the General by Lieu^ Beebe. Abed,
not able to move.
Sunday — 7* Answered the General's letter in re-
lation to the number of men that Half Way Brook can
contain. Gave the letter to Cap' Hay & other
Quarter Masters going to the Army. Coll** Darby set
out & gave him my letters for my wife. He sent me
word by L' S' George that he had been affronted on
the road by one Porter, on which I sent a file of men
to confine him. Major Durky gave him a very good
character. Rec** a complaint from the agents commis-
sary about the Master of y*' Scow.
Monday — 8* Sent for Porter, Examined him and
found nothing, made him give it me in writing and
sign it & dismissed him. D' Nicholson Cap* Hay &*'
went in a Whaleboat for the landing place & carried
both my letters for the General. They went about 9
in the morning. Wrote to the General & sent him
enclosed the assistant Commissary's Complaints against
the Master of the Scow for taking sutlers stores, and
sent it by the Post which brought me letters from my
wife, also from Cap' Sowers & Demler with Plans of
Niagara. Abed not able to move.
Tuesday — 9th. Came in this morning from Quebec
Lieu* Hutchins of the Rangers sent some time ago
there by General Amherst accompanied by M' Stobbor
I dispatched them as soon as possible in Col Brad-
street's whale boat for the landing place. Wrote to
my wife dated the 8*** and 9'** Instant. Lieu' Patterson
of the Artillery came in here from Crown point about
noon for Artillery Stores for the vessells but found
them part sent & went away again about 4 in the after-
noon. Rec*^ a letter from M' Boddington dated Aug*
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. lOI
II* with an account of Prince Ferdinand's victory over
^e French, also an acc^ of two lottery tickets bought
for me N* 51:440 and 53.240 with an ace' of some Scrape
at Gibralter about Skinner and Patoun — An Express
<:ame. Sent the letters to the Lake by an Officer and
Eight men.
Wednesday — 10* Wrote to my wife & enclosed her
M"" Boddington's letter & sent it with that dated yester-
<iay by the Post Rec^ a letter from the General with
an order to Send Cap* Sterling materials to repair
Barracks & Hospitals. Also an order to let no Pro-
vincial come ashore without the General's permit if
not to send them Prisoner's back again. Rec** a letter
from Cap* Sterling by M' Man about the repairs of
Fort Edward and Hospital for materials for it. Cap*
Schomberg came here from Boston with Dispatches
for the General. Forwarded him away by the Express
l>oat at 10 o'clock at night Began to set up in a
<:hair. Wrote to the General and M*" Napier.
October 11* 1759. Thursday. Sent M' Dies to Fort
JEdward this morning to enquire into the repairs & the
<juantity of materials necessary to Execute them. Be-
.^n to write to my wife. 18 drafts came from Albany
sent them over the lake the same Evening. This
evening at 6 o'clk the General and army left Crown
point
Friday — 12* M' Dies reported from Fort Edward
^at there was not much wanting. He came back late
last night Cap' Schomberg arrived here from Crown
point with an ace' that the army was embarked & went
off from Crown point last night about 6 o'clock. Cap'
Schomberg left this place for Boston about 7 in the
evening. Wrote to my wife this day. Rec** a letter
from her and Newspapers.
Saturday — 13* Sent my letter by the Post. Ordered
B Macknamara and Ann Hughes out of the Camp, also
a Court Martial for several of the regulars for disturb-
ing the Camp. Rained all day — no work.
Sunday — 14* Rec** a letter from the General, with
■ •
• ••. •
• • ••
l<3!2 JOURNALS OF COL. TAMES MONTRESOR.
: '••a Warrant for ;^3500 Sterling- enclosed. Also came in
' ' an Express forwarded by L' Coventry with an ace' of
> Quebec being taken. Rainy day — Wrote to my wife
& M' Mortier.
Monday — 15* L' Grant of Montgomerys arrived
here Express from Albany, going to the General with
an ace' of Quebec surrendered. Generals Wolf &
Monckton killed, Also Monsieur Montcalm. Wrote to
M*^ Mortier & to my wife, also to M*^ Furnis with one
enclosed for my wife and to M' Newton about y* War-
rant.
Tuesday — 1^^ This day at one a clock came in an
Express from Boston confirming the account of the
surrender of Quebec with the aforesaid account only
that the French Army was defeated in the field and
that Gen* Wolf forced the Retrenchment where they
retreated & there was killed, and that the Town sur-
rendered to Gen* Townshend. Wrote to my wife and
sent her back the letters received from England in-
closed in a letter to Hawkins which went by a Post
sent by Major Durky, in the afternoon. Came in to
the Fort to live at noon.
Wednesday — 17'**. This evening by La Venue re-
ceived letters from Mess" Appy, Napier, & Eyres, the
last mentioning that our Army had hemmed in three
of the Ennemy's vessells in a creek 55 miles from
Crown point Paid to a Corporal of Montgomery's a
note drawn on D*^ Nicholson for ;^i 5.10.0 Currency,
by L' M^'Martin at Half Moon to subsist his Detach-
ment, he having money of Cap' Grant's in his hands.
Wrote to my wife inclosed to M' Hawkins, with a keg
of Trout — Waterman and Ellis confined.
Thursday — October — 18* 1759. Court Martial on
Waterman & Serjeant Ellis sentenced, one 50 lashes
and broke the other, and acquitted the 2 other Pro-
vincials. Ordered them to put all the evidence down
in writing.
Friday — 19*. Parole Minden. Wrote to Mess"
Eyres, Napier, Nicholson, Appy & Brazier. The Court
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. IO3
Martial was sent me again with the Evidences & same
sentence, and as I did not approve of it, wrote down
as my opinion that Serj^ Ellis should have severe rep-
rimand, and Waterman not to be a public sutler in
this Camp.
Saturday — 20*. Parole Munster — Rec"* a letter from
Cap^ Garth from Lake Champlain on Bark with an
ace' of the sloops being sunk. Wrote to my wife.
Cap' Robinson with a Company of Montgomery's came
in here, he and his Lieutenants dined with me. Ap-
pointed De Pybu to be the Sutler in the Camp. Snow
fell for the first time.
Sunday — 21" Sent the Keg of Trout by Cornelia,
waggoner, directed to Hawkins with a letter. Cap'
Robinson, Lieu" McLean and Crawford and 60 men
went for Crown point this afternoon at 4 o'clock in two
Batteaux — two whaleboats.
Monday — 22""*. Wrote to my wife and enclosed
Garth's letter to me & also Boddington's letter.
Wrote to Boddington. Received letters from my
wife, Williams and Ebert.
Tuesday — 23'"* Wrote to my wife and to Williams
which I enclosed with Ebert's letter to me for her.
Rained all day — no work. Rec"* a letter from Gen*
Lyman for Iron and a Saw plate, the Iron I could not
send him but sent him the Plate and answered his let-
ter. Wrote to the Board with the account of the
army moving the 11*^ instant with all the Boats &
vessells for S' Johns & sent them the ace' of their Pro-
ceedings on the Lake, and the Ennemy sinking their
vessells or Sloops. Inclosed the letter to my wife &
also wrote another & sent them all by Burk the Ex-
press. Sent to New York to order the Packet away.
Rec** letters from Mess" Appy, Eyres & Brazier, their
letters acquainting me that the General and army re-
turned the 21*' Instant.
Wednesday — 24'** October 1759 Lieu' Moncrief aid
de Camp to the General came in here from Crown
point going Express with dispatches from General
I04 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Amherst to Brigadier Gage at Oswego ; left this place
about 1 2 o'clock at noon & lent him my horse to Fort
Edward.
Thursday — 25* Rec** a letter from Cap' Stirling
about boards. L' Bardwell came up here who had
been looking in search of Deserters & asked if I had
forgiven John Page & Joseph Pike who were sent by
Cap' Fulsom to the i*' Post, as he represented them
in a different light I ordered a File of men to fetch
them up directly.
Friday — 26*** Sent at 3 this morning L' Bard-
well with the 2 men above at Crown point with the
General's wine. Wrote to Cap' Stirling and sent
him 30 boards. Rec** a letter from Cap' Schuyler
about Store houses Wrote to my wife. Sent to
Major Monypenny the return of this Post N** i and
the Engineer.
Saturday — 27"^. Rec** a letter from the General,
Cap' Garth and D*" Nicholson, also from Coll** Brad-
street, M' Hawkins, M"^ Retzer & my wife with the
newspapers. Wrote to Colonel Bradstreet, my wife
& M' Hawkins, Cap' Schuyler per the Post
Sunday — 28'**. Cap' Rycant and M"" Gardner of
the 55"* came here going down sick, also came L*
Grant & D' Hepburn with 163 sick of the regulars to
go to Fort Edward and downward. I had a letter
with one enclosed for Coll*" Bradstreet which I sent
Express.
Monday — 29'^ The Party went off in their Boats about
9 & the Sick about 1 1 in Waggons & Teams. Wrote to
the General & sent him copy of the orders I gave in
respect to the Provincials also a State of the Garrison
of Fort George. Wrote to m"^ Appy & sent him
the Anthem for the Birth day. At night came Cap'
Glegg, L' Maine & officer of Montgomerys going
down The Post came in from Albany and brought
me no letters.
Tuesday — 30"*. The above all went down this morn-
ing at 9 o'clock. Sett** with M' Mendez & paid all my
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. IO5
Private ace'* with him & publick ace" & rec** a Bal-
lance of ;^i32.i5
Out of which paid a Box of Candles 5.19. o
120.16. o
Wrote to my wife. Gave out the orders about the
Provincials going away.
Wednesday — 31" Rec** a letter from the General to
send the Connecticut and Massachusetts forces to join
their Reg" to return home by N*" 4 & to be reimplaced
if the works are not finished by the 1 7'** Reg* to Gar-
rison here. Rec** a letter from L' Gray, that Eyres is
made L' Col^ to the 44'*" in the room of Farquhar
deceas**. M' Napier, M' Nicholson, Cap" Wrightson,
Morry, Wilmot, Cook and L' Grant came in here from
Crown point in their way down.
November i*^ 1759. Thursday — Thirty Eight men de-
serted in the night of Col^ Willard's reg' one of Rug-
gles. 24 of them taken and sent to Crown Point with
Lieu* Dike and 2 letters to Gen^ Amherst with a
return of the Connecticut forces names of the desert-
ers. Letter from Cap' Sterling. Rec** a letter from
the General to order the Detachment of Half-way
brook to come here. A Serj' & 12 men R H sent
there. Cap' Stewart and two officers came in here
going down.
Friday — 2"**. L' Blakeney came here from Crown
Point going to Albany for cloathing. M' Napier went
away for Fort Edward. Major Campbell Cap* How-
ard, and Ensign Christopher with 30 men arrived
here to reinforce the Garrison. Rec"* a letter from the
General. Wrote 2 letters to the General and sent
him an enclosed of Cap* Sowers by the Post, also
wrojte to Cap* Garth. Rec** letters from my wife,
newspapers also from M' Mortier with bills.
Saturday — ^^ Coll° Eyres arrived this morning,
major Campbell &*" went away. Wrote to my wife by
the Post. M' Pitcher went to Crown Point & carryed
I06 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
my letters to the General and Col^ Robertson. Sent
the Party to the 4 mile Post The Party came in from
Fort Edward, rained very hard.
November — 4^**. Wrote to M' Mortier & Hawkins by
Col^ Eyres who set out for Niagara this day. The
party from Fort Edward embarked for Ticonderoga —
Party came in from Fort Miller.
Monday — 5*^ Received a letter from M' Hawkins.
Tuesday — 6'**. Rec"* a letter from my wife with Eberts
agreement The 2 Mrs Howes came there, and she
from Philadelphia was brought a bed in one of my
rooms at 3 o'clock. Sent to Albany by a waggon my
Gardevin, my Kitchen and my Tent. Wrote to O
Basset Engineer and Hawkins.
Wednesday — 7* Wrote to my wife & sent it per
post. Rec"* 4 letters from the General, relating to the
sick to be sent down to the works, and to the oxen.
Rec** letter from Coll° Robertson, M' Brazier M'
Russel. Rec"* also the lists of the sick of Fort George
with orders for them.
Thursday — 8^*" Captain Wrightson and Lee came
here and went to Crown point. Rec"* letter from Cap-
tain Garth.
Friday November gt\i 1759. Wrote to the General.
Sent the Sick from hence under the care of Lieuten-
ants Beebe and Bemont.
Saturday 10*. King's birth day. Coll'' Montgomery
and his surgeon supped with us. M*^ Pitcher and a
Lieu* of the 27* came and supped with us, and Cap*
Schuyler. Wrote a letter to my wife and gave it to
m*^ Pitcher Ebert my servant arrived this day.
Sunday — 11'** The Post from Albany came in at 2 in
the morning & brought one letter from my wife with
the newspapers. ColP Montgomery & Pitcher went
away this morning, gave him anotner letter for my
wife. An officer came in with money from Albany for
Crown point. Wrote to the General by him about the
Deserters coming here taken. L' French 8:42 Deserters
were brought in here. All the sick came in from the
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. IO7
landing. Cap^ M^'Kenzie came with them and to bring
up the Batteaux with loo Rangers come in and load
Provisions.
Monday — 12* Sent the Sick away, also sent all the
Boats and Batteaux loaded with Provisions to the
landing place. Came in the oxen for draught.
Tuesday — 13^ Captain Martin came in with the
artillery who supped with me.
Wednesday — 14^ Wrote to the General, unloaded
the Badeau & sent part of the Stores to Fort Edward.
Wrote to my wife & m' Mortier per the Express that
carried back some letters bro* here by mistake Cap'
Martin dined and supped with me.
Thursday — 15*^ Sent the Badeau loaded with the
Deserters to navigate her. Cap' Macneal with his
Party for Half moon came in here with several more
officers who supped with me. Serjeant of Montgom
ery's sent by ColP Robertson for all the Batteaux,
brought me a letter.
Friday — 16*? Wrote to the General & Coll° Robert-
son by the Serjeant of Montgomery's. Ordered all
the Deserters to carry up the Batteaux. Cap' Mac
neal with his Party for Half moon set out this morn-
ing. The Batteaux went off with my letters & 32
deserters, one made his Escape — 17 of them sent
before in the Badeau.
Saturday — 17'.** Rec** a letter from the General
approving my Conduct in regard to the Deserters and
artificers. Wrote to my wife and sent it by the Post.
Sunday — 1%^ November 1759. Rec"* two letters from
M' Mortier by L' S' George. Part of Schuyler's Reg-
iment came in.
Monday — 19* More of Schuyler's came in with Coll°
Schuyler & the rest of the Reg' except one boat. Coll**
Schuyler supped with me with a party of the 42** Reg'
going to Fort Edward with Sick & some Prisoners
from Canada. Received a letter from my wife.
Tuesday — 20*** The regiment of Schuyler's went off
with Ditto.
I08 JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Wednesday — 21" Paid m' Mendez 4 — 24 pound bills
;^96.o.o Rec** a letter from the General.
Thursday — 22"* — Wrote to the General and to Mor-
tier with one enclosed to my wife.
Friday — 23"! Wrote to my wife by U William of the
17^** who came from Ticonderoga & going to New-
York Received a letter from Captain Holmes.
Saturday 24. Sent by L' Williams letter to my wife.
Wrote to L' Brehm to draw on Mendez for 3 months
pay. also in favour of Jenny Holmes. Rec** a letter
from the General by the Post, that he & the army was
to set off from Crown point the 25* Sunday, and to get
everything ready for transporting their baggage.
Sunday — 25* Paid M' Mendez to pay 3 of the Con-
tracted Carpenters — :;^2 20.0.0
Monday 26H* The Light Infantry came in & left the
rest of the Army & the General behind. Captain Aber-
cromby supped with me.
Tuesday 27^ The Army came in & the General
about 7 o'clock at night who supped with me and lay
in my room. Coll° Robertson, Monnypenny, Appy,
Darcy. The troops went & Encamped in the woods
as far as Bloody pond.
Wednesday 28*** — walked with the General to the
Bastion & round the works & Barracks & seemed well
pleased, he desir d that I would stay & settle this
Garrison & receive the French Prisoners, shewing
them civility. The General gave me several orders
to be done at this Post viz' — No i. when the 85 rangers,
which are discharged & have rec** provisions to give
them 3 days more and send them away as fast as possi-
ble. No 2 To Send the General's baggage after him as
quick as possible & the officer of the 42** to join his
corps directly. No 3 To order partys for bringing
oxen and Bullocks. No 4. To give as many men to
Corp* Loring as he may want. No 5. as soon as the
detach' for this Post arrives to order one Cap' 2 Sub-
alters & 50 men to perform the duty of a Funeral over
the corpse of the late Cap' Morris, no 6. The Room
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. ICQ
I am in to be for a Field officer & if not come up to
acquaint the Cap' that lives in it to be ready to move at
a minutes warning. No 7. The Gen* would have case-
mates under the Rampart of the East Flank of the Bas-
tion. No 8. To send over the Inniskillingers to their
regiment. Part of the Detachment of the 1 7th arrived.
November — 29* Thursday. Major Ord went away
this day for Albany. Settled the business of the Bar-
racks & had them drawn for. Performed the service
over the corpse of Cap' Morris with 3 volleys, one
CapS 2 Subalterns 50 men at 4 o'clock. The Sloop
came in at night.
Friday — 30* The rest of the detach' of the 17th
came in. Ordered the according to a detail I made.
Expected the French Prisoners & made a preparation
for them. I got 3 dozen of Beer from the General's
servant. Received a letter from Col^ Robertson about
the Molasses and Kettles.
December. Saturday — i" Cap' Loring set out this
day for Albany. Wrote to my wife by him. Wrote
this day to Cap' Garth. French Prisoners came in to
night and supped with me.
Sunday — 2? Drawn on M' Mortier in favour of Hugh
White ;^250. W°* Waterman ;^200.o.o Mess" Pouchot
& Villex &*" with the rest of the French Prisoners after
having breakfasted with me, embarked with the Guard
of Inaependents under the Command of Cap' Ogelvie
about 10 o'clock.
Monday — 3? Set out from Fort George about 10
o'clock & lay at Fort Edward, found the Bridge car-
ried away I walked from the Lake to Fort Edward,
supped at Bests & lay in the Fort.
Tuesday — 4'** Set out at 10. got over the Ice, one
horse fell in. Our baggage got safe over, & lay at
Saratoga, walked within 3 miles of it. Lay at the Sut-
ling house.
Wednesday — 5*? Set out at 9 & lay at Halfmoon.
Went into a wagg^on part of the way, but walked to
Halfmoon about the 3 last miles & lay at Vanesses.
no JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR.
Thursday — 6* Set out about 9, came over the Mo-
hock River at Loudoun's Ferry where I walked to as
far as Root lived & then got up in a waggon until I
came to Van Ormans & there dined & came to Albany
about 4 o clock P M & Lay at Fundy's. Rec** letter
from my wife, Jack &c.
Friday 7* Waited on Gen^ Gage. Dined with him
at La Venue's. Supped at home with Major West &
Ord & Wilkins.
Saturday — 8*!* Dined at La Venue's with MajorWest,
Wilkins & Cap' Baugh & supped there. Asked Gen-
eral Gage. Rec"* letter from my wife. Wrote to Cap'
Dixon & L* Sowers.
Sunday 9. Wrote to my wife per the post. M' Cle-
ments came to see me, came from Oswego with the
carpenters last night. M' Brazier came here from Ti-
conderoga. Dined at home. My leg & foot swelled.
Gen^ Gage & major Harvey sat with me this even-
ing. Wrote to my wife by Lieu' Bassett, yesterday's
date.
Monday. December 10* 1759. Rainy & foggy
weather. Wrote to my wife by the Express M" New-
ton sent to M' Mortier. Paid on Contingent £2^.
Tuesday — ii'*" Cloudy weather. Settled with M'
Mendez & the Ballance of the warrant for ;^3500 Ster-
ling amounts to no more than ;^I090.8.6.
Wednesday — 12'\ Settled with M! Hawkins for Pay,
Baggage Forrage & Firing & rec"* a note on Mf Ab-
thorpe for the ballance for ;^275. 15. i Sterk Rec** from
M' Newton to pay the sawmills ^C" £S\^ 90.8.6 & took
his order on Mr Mortier for ;^iooo Sterling which com-
pleats the Warrant of ;^3500. Delivered in to the Gen-
eral the returns of Fort George, the 1 7'** Reg' Stores,
Artillery, Provisions, tools & Batteaux.
Thursday — 13'**. Frost. The Sloops that went yes-
terday could not go on for the Ice. Major West &
his men walked it. ReC* a letter from Ensign Chris-
topher with the Return of Stores.
Friday — 14'**. N. West. Hard Frost M' Clements
JOURNALS OF COL. JAMES MONTRESOR. Ill
set out this day for York & gave him a letter to my
^wife.
Saturday — \^\ North East — Snow.
Sunday i6* North — Frost. To am' paid Couting
Monday — ly^ w. n. w & Hard frost excessive cold.
Tuesday — iS*** Set out from Albany at 12 o'clock in
4 Sleighs. Lay at Kinderhook at Van Buren's.
Wednesday — 19'**. Baited at Claverack at Hagen-
loom & lay at Schermerhorn's.
Thursday — 20* Baited at DeWit and lay at Poc-
Icepsy.
Friday — 21** Baited at Van Wyck & lay at Roger s.
Saturday — 22^ Baited at Van TasselFs & lay at
Martin's.
Sunday — 23*! Dined at Col*" Phillipse*s & arrived at
N. York about 7 o'clock in the Evening. Rec"* letters
from the Board, Gordon & M' Haswell.
Monday 24* M' Mendez paid off the Sleighmen at
6£ 8 shilling each.
Tuesday — 25., Mess" Furnis. Stevens, Bassett &
D' Adair dined & supped with me.
Wednesday — 26^ D' Adair visited my foot & found
it bad. Wrote to Cap' Gordon Engineer by L'' Bas-
sett, dated my letter the 27*
Thursday 27. Gen^ Amherst Mess" Mortier, Appy,
Monypenny Darcy dined & supped with me except
the General.
Friday 28. L* Bassett set out for Philadelphia.
Gov' Glen came & sat with me the Evening.
Saturday 29. Cap' Williams Engineer set out for the
Southwards, m' Montressor gave him a letter for m'
Hunter. Gov' Glen Mess" Appy, Furnis, Adair supped
with me.
Sunday 30. Staid at home Since the 24* & a swell-
ing under my arm pit.
Monday — 31V Ditto — mess" Mortier, Furnis & Ste-
vens supped with me. Under D' Adair's hands since
the 26*** December.
III.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
1757-1778.
OURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
9
I.
Notes and Memoranda.
[In the autumn of 1778 Captain Montresor em-
arked for England with his wife and family. On the
^^oyage over, he beguiled the time by making in his
:»iote-book many interesting memoranda, concerning
^he nature and extent of his services in America.
These rough notes may very well be introduced here,
as many of them are somewhat of an autobiographical
<:haracter, and fix with precision the various dates of
<:ertain events in his military experience in the British
Provinces.]
My promotion from 1755 to 1776.
Ensign in 48* Regiment March 1755.
Engineer by General Braddock at) t ^-.
u-ii- J V 10. June 1755.
10 shillings per day j ^ ' ^^
Lieutenant m 48th Regiment 4. July 1755
Engineer by Commission from) ,^ Mav 17.6
General Shirley. | H- May 175&.
Engineer & Practitioner of Engi- 1
neering though notified & acted > 19. May — 1758
long before )
Lieutenant & Sub-Engineer I ^7 March 1759
Engineer Extraordinary & Captain [ o ^ a
Lieutenant j ^^' ^^^ ^705
Engineer in Ordinary & Captain. . 10. Jan^ 1776
Special Commission fi'om the King) tQ r> r
as Chief Engineer of America . . . j ' ^^ ^^^'
Il6 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1
CommanderS'in- Chief
Under whom I have served since I left England in
the ship with General Braddock 24 Decf 1754, to my
finally leaving America, 19* October 1778: and to this
period I have been in Eighteen actions and Thirty-two
voyages, and served under Fourteen Commanders-in-
Chief^ and near Twenty-four Years in America, subse-
quent to 4 years I served at Gibraltar as an Assistant
Engineer under my Father, Colonel James Montr^sor,
Chief Engineer.
Major-General Edward Braddock . 1754 & 5
Major-General Willm. Shirley . . 1755 & 6
Major-General Danl. Webb . . 1756
Lt.- General John, Earl of Loudoun
1756, 57. & 58
Lt. -General James Abercrombie . 1758
Major-Gen. Sir Jeffery Amherst
1758, 9, 60, I, 2, 3
Lieut. -General Thos. Gage
1763, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 70, I, 2, 3, 4, 5
Lieut-Gen. Frederick Haldimand . 1774
Gen. Sir Wm. Howe . . . 1775, 6, 7, 8
General Sir Henry Clinton . . 1778
C
U
a;
*S
o
U
•B ■<
n
.-2.
r
Unfortunately for me
Major-General James J and his Majesty's
Wolfe, 1 Service was Killed
in the Field.
<
Brigadier-Gen. Robt.
Moncton,
Brigadier- Gen. Geo. '
Townshendy
1st Shot through the
Lungs after 1 3 Sept. ,
1759, and the 2nd
went home after the
Victory.
A madman. Remained
Brigadier-Gen. James J in command at Que-
Murray, ) bee, and I as Engi-
neer with him.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. II7
Extra Services by Me.
In 1756 I undertook, with the Command of a De-
tachment of the 44th and 48th Regiments, consisting
of Sixty men, to relieve the Post (with this Reinforce-
ment) at the Falls of Conejoxeri which I effected,
though attacked by the way.
The i8th March, 1757, while the French, Cana-
dians, and Indians, under Monsieur Rigoud de Vau-
dreuil attacked Fort William Henry, I secured Fort
Edward, 14 miles from it, by a Parapet of Barrels of
Pork, Beef, and Flour, and Barrels filled with Snow,
&c., which prevented the Enemy's taking it, after be-
ing beat offfrom Fort William Henry.
My Scout, in 1758, on snow-shoes, to drive the In-
dians and Acadians off the Island of Louisbourg.
In the beginning of the Winter, 1759, 1 went with a
party on Snow Shoes from Quebec to the South Side
of the River St. Lawrence, where I swore to alle-
giance 6,000 Canadians, and by their laying down
their arms and the great supply of Provisions, the
Garrison of Quebec remained m Peace during a long
Winter.
In November, 1759 (altho' an En^neer^, headed
the Light Infantry of the 48th Regt., m which I was
then an Officer, Tittacked and Stormed a Post at S.
Augustin, upon the Intended attack of the Lines at
Point-aux-Trembles with Colonel Walsh.
My Scout from Quebec to New England on Snow
Shoes in 1760, to fix the Plan for the Junction of the
Armies at Montreal.*
• They left Quebec January 26th, 1760, and arrived at Topsham, the
nearest New England settlement in Maine, February 20th. Montr^sor
and his companions suffered terribly from cold, hunger, and fatieue. I
have before me his little note-book, with its daily entries, made with
blunted pencil and benumbed fingers, the pencil marks written over
with ink when he reached Topsham. Here a fuller and more carefully
written journal was prepared from these rough notes. I find that on
February 9th was *' the first day that my party fell short of provisions."
On Thursday, 14th, 'Uhe party almost wasted, so faint from want of
food. Several got sick eating alderberries, continued eating their moccas-
Il8 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
My undertaking, in 1760 (En Canadien), to carry
verbal Dispatches from Maj'or-General Murray at La
Varennes, to Sir Jeff. Amherst at Isle-au-Perrot, with
success.
My undertaking to go as a Drummer of Marines to
the Marquis D'Albergatti, at the Fort at Jacques Car-
tier, as a Flag of Truce from Major-Gen. James Mur-
ray, with the Body of Mons. D'Herbel, in order to
make a Report of the State of the Works there, which
I accomplished, and was immediately transmitted to
Brig.-Gen. Simon Fraizer at Quebec, and ordered to
attack it, which he did, and took it. I was then Chief
Engineer in Canada.
In the spring, 1760, I was ordered by Sir Jeff. Am-
herst at New York to take charge of his dispatches,
and deliver them to Major-Gen. Murray at Quebec.
Proceeded by land to Boston, Embarked there with
22 Sail of vessels, which were all taken, except one I
sailed, having taken charge of her myself.
My approved Proposals for the further Discovery of
the north-westward parts of North America, transmitted
to the Ministry in 1760, and my letters from Sir Henry
Erskine and Major Dalrymple.
In 1760, in the first week in September, my surpris-
ing the fortified town of Les Praries de la Magdalene,
with 500 Militia in arms, and two officers, and 30 men
of Regular Troops. I commanded 85 Rangers.
sins and Bullet-pouches, snow-shoes, netting and strings/' iS^^y ''the
Party reduced to eat their leather breeches and raw woodpeckers."
i6th, " Everybody ready to drop for food— began" eating their Bullet-
pouches and belts.'* Lt. Montr^sor made another Expedition into Maine
in June and July of 1761. In his list of ** Extra Services " he says, ** My
discovery in 1761 of the une)tplored Lands between Canada and Fort
Halifax on Kennebee river, with a party of savages/' He had suggested
this expedition to the English Ministry in 1760, and his proposal was
accepted through Sir Henry Erskine and Major Dalrymple. The Jour-
nal of Montr^sor's scout of 1761 fell into the hands of Col. Benedict Ar-
nold, and suggested to him the route through Maine in 1775, when
he led 1,100 men to make a junction with Gen. Schuyler for the
conquest of Canada. Arnold's letters and Lt. Montr^sor's imperfect
journal were published in 1831 in voK i. of the ** Collections of the Maine
Historical Society."
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. IT9
My discovery in 1761 of the unexplored Lands be- '
tween Canada and Fort Halifax, on Kennebee River,
with a party of savages.
In 1760, 61, and 62, had the Direction of the Survey
of the River S. Lawrence, from the River au Sud be-
low Orleans to the Cedars, to a scale of 2,000 feet to
an Inch, by order of Sir Jeff. Amherst.
My great success in 1 763 * ; in relieving the Garri-
son of D'Etroit with Provisions and men, whereby the
Siege was raised, they having then 14 days Indian
Com and Bear's Grease to subsist on. Remark — See
Sir Jeffrey Amherst's letter.
The forced march I took in 1 764 with a Regt. of
Canadiens (the first ever raised in our Service) to the
Portage of Niagara, and securing it near 7 miles by a
Chain of Redoubts before the arrival of the Troops
under Major-General Bradstreet, and against all the
Indians.
In 1 769, when an Order came from Lord Hillsborough
to Gen. Gage, that the Forts Nassau and Montague,
and two water Batteries should be put in a State of
Defense, no opportunity offered, I proceeded in a Deck
Boat loaded with Onions, Cheese, Candles, and Pota-
toes, and effected that Service.
In 1769, I divided the Line between the provinces
of New York and New Jersey by astronomical obser-
vations, so long a bone of contention, and in Chancery
so many years.
I was offered by Mr. Hillegar, Commissioner to the
Board of Works, if I would accept of being Inspector-
General of the works on Delaware, and at Philadel-
• Extract from a letter from Lieut J. Montr^sor, to Capt. Thomas
Bassett (Engineer) at Fort Pitt :--
'* Detroit f Nov, 2Hd, 1763.
" I suppose you have heard at New York of the different disagree-
able circumstances that befel me during my perigrinations hither ; of
my being cast away at Presqu' Isle, then attacked by a party of
Wyandots, which were repulsed ; they killed us 3 men, two in the
Breastwork; and I was attacked on board the Schooner in the River
of Detroit 9 in which I lost not a man« I arrived the third of last
month.''
I20 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
r
phia, and its environs, I should receive 500 Guineas
er Annum during pleasure, and 300 for life, which
rejected from the appearance of the times, 1773,
Savouring much of an Inclination to Rebellion.
My timely securing Lt-Governor Golden, and the
Stamps within Fort George at New York in 1765 by
a temporary Defence, there being no Parapet to the
Works, and commanded by the neighbouring Houses.
I attended Lord Percy from Boston towards the
Battle of Lexington. My advancing some miles in
front of his Corps with four volunteers, and securing
the Bridge across Cambridge River, 19th April, 1775 ;
which prevented his Body from going the Watertown
Road, whereby the Light Infantry and Grenadiers
were not cut off, my having sent one Volunteer back
to his Lordship ; the town of Cambridge in arms, and
I galloped through them.
During^ part of Gen. Gage's Command at Boston,
the Garrison were distressed for want of Specie, and
also Carpenters ; which I undertook to remedy, by
supplying it ;^6,ooo in gold, and got it sent on board
the "Asia," and so to us at Boston. — Government
insuring it
I was twice attempted to be assassinated for sup-
porting the honor and credit of the Crown during
my Command in the course of the Rebellion. — ist.,
near Brattle Square, at Boston, by means of Rebel
Doctor Cooper ; and, 2nd, near the South end of Bos-
ton, by Samuel Dyer, when I saved General Cleave-
land's Life, Commanding Officer of Artillery. This
man was sent off by the Sheriffs of London, Messrs.
Lee and Sayre, to murther Lt.-Col. Maddison of the
4th Regiment.
During the 24 years I acted as Engineer in Amer-
ica, I was so fortunate as never once to have had a
work carried of my Construction, Mais depuis Stoney
Point etoit recemment Pris.
In my undertaking to blow up Castle William, its
Extensive Batteries and dependencies, all of masonry.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 121
in March, 1776, with 87 mines, which I completely
effected without one failing. Letters from a Society
for my sections, &c.
I went in a Whale Boat, escorted with 2 flat
l>ottomed Boats, with 2 officers, and 40 of the 43rd
RegL, and proceeded towards New York from Staaten
Island in August, 1776, and received the fire from the
CZannon of the several Batteries and Musquettry from
Kennedy's Island, previous to the sailing of the
*' Phoenix " and " Rose," and to discover what Impedi-
ments. My answer home.
My having the Direction of 300 Hessians, one Brass
^ Pounder, and three of the 1 7th Light Dragoons, to
surprize Fort Independence in October, 1776, which I
effected very fortunately.
My proposals to Sir Wm. Howe for the Landing on
the Sound of New York at Kip's Bay, contrary to the
opinion of Lt.-Gen. Clinton, Major Musgrave, and
Johnson, and the Officers of the Navy, and the success
that attended it. My Landing from Gen. Howe under
the Fire of 5 Frigates ; and the Rebels to turn the
Hessian Grenadiers under Count Dunop ; to support
Gen. Clinton on the Heights of Inchisburg ; and Gen.
Howe's Expressions to Col. Paterson, Adjt-Gen., and
myself.
The 1 6th Sept., 1776, the action on Vanderwater's
Height, near Harlaem, on New York Island, I pro-
cured two 3 Pounders, Brass, with Lt. Wallace, Royal
Artillery. No horses being near Mr. Gown's, where
the Guns were, had them hauled by hand, and brought
into action to face the Enemy, who were attempting to
cut off our left, and getting round us between our Left
and Hudson's River. The proposal was my own, and
had its desired effect, no other Guns being in the Field,
and 60 rounds from each were fired.
At the Battle of Brandy Wine, nth Sept., 1777, I
directed the position and attack of most of the field
train; and late in the evening, when the action was
near concluded, a very heavy nre was received by our
122 , JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Grenadiers from 6,000 Rebels, Washington's Rear-
guard, when Col. Monckton requested me to ride
through it to Brigadier-General Agnew's Brigade, and
his 4 Twelve Pounders ; which I did time enough to
support them ; and by my fixing the four 12 pounders,
Routed the Enemy.
In 1774, 5, and part of 6, Boston was defended by
very Extensive works, with a small Garrison, against
the united Forces of America ; and no Established
Engineer, for the most part, but myself. Vide Lord
Townshend's several Letters with his Maj'esty's very
favourable opinion upon it.
I gave the first Information of the Enemy's abandon-
ing the works near Brooklyn ; and was the first man
in them, with one Corporal, and six men, in the front
of the Piquets.
D^s petites services qui ne vaut pas le peine de ra-
conter avec ceux passdes.
Works, permanent and temporary thrown up for 24
years successively, and not one ever carried.
In the beginning of the winter, 1757, the Magistrates
of Borden Town refusing to quarter 300 men which I
commanded of the 48th Regt., agreeable to act of
Parliament, I drew them up, with fixed Bayonets, and
made them face to the Right about, and make good
their Quarters; and quartered the Officers on the
Magistrates only, and myself on the first magistrate,
with two Gentries.
I suppressed a Mutiny in my winter Scout, 1760.
I suppressed a Mutiny with that of the Canadian
Regt. of Niagara, 1764.
I suppressed a Mutiny when I commanded a party
to relieve Conijohary, 1756.
I suppressed a Mutiny of ordnance Artificers in
Cadiz Packet at Sea, 1777.
The greater part of the Transports, ships of war,
armed vessels, and victuallers, &c., the latter end of
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. I23
1776 ; and most of 1777, wooded and watered on Mon-
tr^sor's Island lA the Sound, Gratis.
My being the great means of that Gentleman, Mn
Galloway, being with the Army ; and he living with
his servant and his suite, &c., his acquaintance for the
Campaign 1777 at my expense.
My apprising Gen. Gage of his danger at Danvers
by means of Dr. Gardiner. On the 27 August, 1776,
my apprising Sir Wm. Howe of his personal insecurity
on his right ; and my riding forward into Bedford, and
finding the Rebels there just previous to the Action ;
and my discovering two Rebels skulking very near Sir
Wm. Howe to get a shot at him in the Action, no one
^vrith him but myself, except 2 Dragoons, who could
x-iot observe them ; upon which I took one of their Car-
iDines, and drove them into the Mud, where they were
smothered.
My timely discovery, upon a false alarm and an alert
of ours at boston (under Lt.-Gen. Gage), a detach-
ment of Boats, with part of the 44th on board, in the
night, between our works and Foster s mill, and pre-
A^ented two 24 pounders and one 8 inch Howitzer of
Orape being fired into them from our Lines.
My hearing that the Rebels had cut the King s
liead off the Equestrian Statue (in the Centre of the
£llipps, near the Fort) at New York, which repre-
sented George the 3rd in the figure of Marcus Aurelius,
and that they had cut the nose off, dipt the laurels
that were wreathed round his head, and drove a mus»
Icet Bullet part of the way through his Head, and other-
"wise disfigured it, and that it was carried to Moore's
tavern, adjoining Fort Washington, on New York
Island, in order to be fixed on a Spike on the Truck
of that Flagstaff as soon as it could be got ready,
I immediately sent Corby through the Rebel Camp
in the beginning of September, 1776, to Cox, who
kept the Tavern at King s Bridge, to steal it from
thence, and to bury it, which was effected, and was
dug up on our arrival, and I rewarded the men, and
124 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
sent the Head by the Lady Gage to Lord Townshend;
in order to convince them at home of the Infamous
Disposition of the Ungrateful people of this distressed
Country.
My Pretensions to Preferment.
32 years on immediate and active service abroad,
24 Campaigns of which in North America ; 18 actions
during that time, as per Journal, exclusive of several
sieges, and being besieged, and in all except one ac-
tion successful; 32 voyages in that space.
Extraordinary Personal Services, exclusive of lesser
ones hereunto annexed.
Having been wounded in the Service, and a Ball
still in me. The loss of my Constitution from my
Extraordinary Exertions and complaint contracted at
Mud Island.
Loss of my Baggage various times, and the entire
Loss of all my Property in America during the Rebel-
lion, as per account
My Lieutenancy in 48th Regt. taken from me, with-
out any Restitution, contrary to Lord Geo. Sackville's
written opinion.
My Pretensions from my Ancestors services lineally.
Colonel James Montr^sor, my Father, was at the
Siege of Gibraltar in 1727 as an Engineer and Officer,
and died in the Service. He was Chief Engineer in
America during the late war.
My Grandfather, Major Montr^sor, served as Cap-
tain of Cavalry all the Duke of Marlborough's wars,
and died in the Service, Major of the 21st Regt, and
Lieut -Grt)vernor of Fort William.
My Great-Grandfather died an officer in the Service,
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 25
and commanded that Party of Monk's Troop that took
the Seven Bishops to the Tower.
I purchased my three eldest Sons their Commis-
sions in the Army, the eldest in the 23rd Regt, one in
the 80th, and the 3rd in the 104th. One second Lieu-
tenancy, two Ensigncies, three Lieutenancies, and one
Company.
I lost two Brothers in the Service of this Country,
and a Father, who broke his heart in his Retreat, for
being neglected and deceived by his Majesty's De-
ceitful Servants ; and my wife lost her Father and a
Brother in its cause, and her numerous Relations
reduced from Opulence to Poverty for their Loyalty
and attachment to the Crown of Great Britain.
My Offer (to my Agent, Mr. Fisher, my Letter) in
1782, during the Height of the War, and sensible of
the distressed Finances of the nation, to make them a
present of as much Timber as should build Govern-
ment a Frigate at Chatham.
I did honour to my Corps (at least) by keeping an
open Table during the Rebellion, when Provisions
were so excessive scarce ; and my House during it the
Hospital for wounded officers, and my wife the matron,
from her indefatigable attention.
I took no allowance for Quarters as my Predeces-
sors, as receiving Field Pay, I thought it was not my
Right, and so the Precedent became lost to my suc-
cessors.
To what reduced to after 24 Campaigns in America.
A restless Ball in my Body after Incisions cut to ex-
tract it
A loss of appetite from derangement of my System,
for having been distressed by Famine for 13 days * at
one time, and 8 at another.
• "The famine for 13 days** alludes to the expedition from Quebec
across Maine in 1760. The other refers to the dispatch of troops under
Col. John Bradstreet, to Sandusky in 1764, to conclude a treaty of peace
126 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
To various complaints from frequent hardships and
distresses, by Excessive cold and fatigue, and from
worry at law-suits against me for Government mat-
ters.
An Hydrocele contracted at the Siege of Mud Isl-
and, and its cruel operation, and its consequences,
and Spasms to this Day. Fistula brought on by Hard-
ships and being perpetually on horseback.
32 years in the Service, and obliged to quit with a
Captain's Rank.* 6 times lost my Baggage, and as
many times wounded. I have never had any Restitu-
tion from Government for my losses, as Housef and
property on the Island, Dwelling and Store Houses
on Cruger s wharf by the Fire at New York. Lost
my baggage 6 times, &c., for all received ^1,000
from the American Claim Office. Lord Dunmore, 'tis
said, got for his losses ^12,000, Gen. Robertson
;^4,ooo, O'Hara ;^2,ooo, &c., &c.
Superceeded by Debbing, Spry, and Dixon at 3
critical Periods. My Barrack-master's Commission as
Bk.-Mr.-Genl., stopped payment without any notice.
with the Western Indians, which was afterwards repudiated by the Com-
mander-in-Chief, Gen. Gage, and Col. Henry Bouquet The troops,
over 1,000 in number, on their return in October, by way of Lake
Erie, were obliged to abandon their boats, through continued stormy
weather. They landed, and suffered much from shortness of provi-
sions.
•A member of the Montr^sor family writes to me *' that John Mon-
tresor never obtained higher rank than Colonel. In his time Engineers
were scarcely considered as belonging to the military service, and the En-
gineers did not rise by seniority or obtain army rank : they were called
M' So and So, until the Sovereign as a reward for service, bestowed the
honorary rank of Colonel, Captain &^ It was a great grievance with
M' Montresor. This is all altered now." —
t** 13th January, 1777: This night (Monday) my House and out-
houses, Barns and offices on Montrikor's Island, formally called Belle
Isle, and afterwards Talbot's Island, near Haerlem, and 8 miles from
New York, was burnt by the Rebels." — "November 7*** 1772 is the
date of the Deeds for Belle Isle formerly Little Barn Island & after Tal-
bots Island & now purchased by me John Montresor on the above day
& year. The first grant of this Island commonly known by the name of
Little Barn Island was by Richard Nicolls Esq' first Governor of New
York unto Thomas Delavall Esq' Collector & receiver General of the
Customs in these parts February the 3"* 1667, in the 20*^ year of his
Majesty's reign."
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 27
Was an Itidependent man before the Rebellion, have
now all my Collateral connections to maintain, and tor-
mented by a Court of Inquisition at Creditor's Office.
No restitution for my Lieutenancy in 48th Regi-
ment
Des Cruautees et Chagrins en Amerique.
Four Officers on the Establishment of Engineers
fut over me, Spry superceeding me at Quebec, though
at the Conquest and he in Pennsylvania on his
pleasure.
My application to leave Quebec from the Tyranny
of General James Murray, and Gen. Jeffery Amherst's
humane answer.
My being superceeded 13th Aug., 1776, by Maj'or
M. Dixon, where he never had been, and I most of my
life.*
My being left by Sir Wm. Howe in May, 1778,
" Sur le pav^e," under the Command of Sir Henry
Clinton, with whom I was upon no terms, '* et malgr^
le certificate de THopital General."
A 1 2 months elapsed from the date of my letters to
the Board of Ordnance for leave, they referring me to
Lord Townshend's Letters, which I never received,
and stating my Health, &c., &c.
My Brother Robert, not being permitted into the
43rd, he, the oldest officer in the army, and 2,000
guineas engaged with C. M^'Kenzie for it.
The takmg my Lieutenancy in the 48th from me,
without any Restitution, contrary to Lord G. Sack-
* When Major Dixon superseded Capt. Montr6sor, Sir William Howe
made him one of his aides-de-camp. Extract from a letter from Sir
William Howe to Lord George Germaine, dated from Philadelphia :
" Your Lordship, having honoured me with His Majesty's commands,
that the Commander-in-Chief is not to appoint the Chief Engineer to be
his Aide-de-Camp, permit me to so far justify my appointment of Capt.
Montr^sor to act in that capacity, as to inform your Lordship the ap-
pointment did not take place until after the arrival of Major Dixon, and
that the instant Major Dixon quitted the command, Captain Montr^sor
was no longer my Aide-de-Camp. July 17th, 1778.''
128 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ville's opinion, and I in several actions in the Regi-
ment, and a Ball in me still; loss of Baggage, &c,
and I oldest Lieutenant
The cruelty of my extensive Command as Chief En-
gineer in America, without a proper rank to honour it.
Plaintes Contra CUinville.^
. Mercier Gallopin et arretta de Skinner et Strat-
ton . . Lazarus. . . . S Augustin ....
Ecossais Sud du landt. Charpentiers sign^ mi
Lord C. commandements mes Gens . . Pole Tents &
pipe Cases.
Dismantle les ouvrages . . Sans rien dire — muchas
vezes.
Illiberalidad in Certificado del medicinos.
Insolentia del primero Receptione — et in secundo
apology.
Rationes pro me detentione, viz* Wne Information
et not potest admissible me partir per Englelandt and
Spiermacher.
In Retirando del Ciudad Quackerorum sine Con-
sultatione.
Brutalidad del nota del Slim — Caesar Souderlandt.
Heros Caledoniarum siempraa la puerta de Quartiers
General, sine Invitatione entrare.
Todas cosas in me Departemente pour demander.
Nihil in ordres Gen* depuis el Departura lament-
abile de S. W. Howe.
Nix un Embarkatione, ni Bastimento, ni Quando visi-
tatio de Slim Caesar.
Common Place Book. John Montresor Enginnr.
Philadelphia 1777.
Samuel Griscomb — Master Carpenter opposite to
the Quakers Burying Ground Gate — Contractor for
Cradles — i** Ocf 1777. Wednesday.
* Captain Montresor's Complaints against General Clinton ; the entries
made in his note-book in French, Spanish, etc.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 29
John Palmer — Master Mason in Lombard S^ between
2^ and 3* Street — i" October 1777.
Lent out of my private purse to Elias Smith Master
Carpenter Fifty ^ Johannes on account of the work,
now carrying on at Philadelphia, i" October 1777,
there being no money to be otherwise procured, as the
General thmks it necessary to wait for the Fleet.
Received the Rolls for near 300 men this day from
Mess'* Palmer & Parrinck as Town Labourers for y*
works.
2^ October, at 9 this morning — i** Order brought to
sign for the Labouring Inhabitants Provision as they
cou'd not go to work, without — another difficulty arose
again respecting Rum.
Set Samuel Griscomb Master Carpenter & his gang
to making of Cradles for the Hospitals and Barracks —
I" Octob^.
At 10 this morning 2^ Ocf — signed the order for
Provisions for 340 Inhabitants to work on the Redout
— not yet attended the work this return dated i** Oct'
& ending 4*** both included.
At 1 1 this morning 2^ Oct orders from the General
by Captain Mulcaster for me to attend principally to
the 2 outer Faces of all the Redouts first & to begin
immediately on the Schuylkill and works from it.
A letter from Cap^ Mulcaster this evening by the
Generals order 2^ Oct. to oblige the Inhabitants to
work and not wait for volunteers. Inhabitants went
to work (Oct. 2^ this afternoon th* but few) being after
their Provision — so this day the first may be said to be
a lost day. Inhabitants left off at ^ hour before sun-
set
3*" October.* Inhabitants went to work this morn-
ing— But 200 men, th"* signed for 340 days provisions.
Regulated the Foreman to the workmen. — 4"* October.
Day of the action at German Town.
* Mr. Galloway was applied to, by the chief £neineer» to procure the
labourers, whose common wages in the city were 6 shillings sterling per
day.
9
130 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
loth October. Advanced to L^ Sproule for the In-
habitants working on Redouts — Thirty Guineas out of
my own pocket.
[Respecting the reducing of the fort on Mud Isl-
and, General Sir William Howe, on the i6th October
(1777), at Head Quarters at Germantown, before
Lieut.-General Earl Cornwallis, Brigadier-General
Cleaveland, and Engineer Montresor, made the ob-
servation " That three weeks were now elapsed and
nothing done." This remark was ever afterward re-
membered, and resented by Captain Montresor by his
making a number of caustic criticisms in his note-books
concerning General Howe and his operations.]
Never pursues his victories. — Pont D'or too Speci-
ous and tedious. — Why not go up the north River first
and join Burgoyne and open the Communication ? —
why keep 4000 Men at Rhode Island for nothing ? —
why Clinton's manoeuvring, marching & counter-
marching ? — Why not Burgoyne come to New York
first instead of Canada ? — Why not when Burgoyne
had taken Ticonderoga he did come by Sea to
York ? — Why Burgoyne send that S' Leger to Os-
wego &*" ? — why Howe come to Chesapeak instead of
Delaware ? — why Howe did not proceed to Philadel-
phia when at Hillsboro and then again at Westfield ? —
why leave the Bomb Catches behind when wanted at
Fort Island ? — why not pursue Washington's army 4***
October 1777 — when flying? — Fird on our own Flat
boats first come up from 2 Mediums 12 pounders at
North Side of Schuylkill. — Battle of German Town
almost sur))rized. Two Battalions Light Infantry ne-
ver apprized th° first advanced and just laid down two
hours from Patrole — they and the 40*^ left one hour
unsupported. — Why not land at South Amboy and
proceed to Philadelphia in July last ? — Sending young
officers particularly in the Engineers Dep' to Command,
as Twiss and leaving Men behind at S* Johns and one
(Twiss) who never saw a shot fired.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. I3I
Why send an Army to Canada (more than wou**
secure that country) and to proceed up the extensive
River of S* Lawrence and over the Lakes and Port-
ages, in short whole Defiles of some hundreds of
miles, in order to make a Junction with another army
who is not intended even to cooperate with it, and
if that Junction was necessary, as it most certainly
was, why not send it directly from England to New
York ?—
A Counsellor ever unsuccessful in the Cabinet and
the Field— G>—Gr 1 [Grant]. Why Send Bur-
goyne through a country he knew nothing of — ? or
the nature of the war here ? — The Bane of the British
Army throughout America has been the Sub-Dividing
of it — Why was Clinton manoeuvring in the Jersies
previous to his co-operating with Burgoyne by pro-
ceeding up the North River and which he (Burgoyne)
expected, — why not send for the 24 Pounders to Ches-
ter when the Mortars and Howitzers were sent for? —
and why not again when the 13 inch mortars was sent
for ? what with the ill success of Burgoyne, they should
bend their whole Force upon our Troops at Rhode
Island and carry it — Quere, should'nt this army pro-
ceed to New- York to reinforce it and secure your prin-
cipal Port and Entrepdt and that in time ? In short
should such ill fortune befall us?
Fyers sent for and ordered by Sir W" E k e,
said to be by Gen* Howe's order to make additional
works opposite Middle Ferry and Projects given him
—ditto Pitts on the Redoubts &c.
Suppose it should be determined to make Philadel-
phia Head Quarters — i" november 1777 —
Cannot an Army suppose it the Northern one —
cannonade you and bombard you & your shipping
from Cooper's Ferry and at a time when the River is
impassable for floating Ice or weak ice ?
How will New York be affected, cannot all the
Force of New En&^land &^ oppose it when youre ab-
sent— Remark — Morrisania you are most vulnerable in,
132 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
not to say the best of Paulus hook & Brooklyn &
Governors Island for Cannon &c and Bomb's.
When your two armies are thus divided, you will
have difficulty in making an Expedition to Charles
Town especially just now from the Complexion of the
Times, when you are sending to New York for 3
Regts of Foot & one Cavalry.
You have just now 20.000 Souls— Stewing — Inhabi-
tants of this City mostly Women and Children, many
Connected with the Rebels and principally so here.
Where is the Shipping to lay and how defended ?
None of the Line ever remain here on ace' of water &
Ice.
What about the monthly Packets and Ships of war
from England — six weeks generally the Delaware is
impracticable below this for vessels, and how about
intelligence from New York ?
The 3** ins* October the first proposal for reconnoit-
ring the Province Island &" and that after dark to as-
certain the distances & the next day being the action,
no further orders respecting it. The 5* Two 8 inch
Howitzers and 2 — 8 inch mortars sent for from Chester,
and the 6* in the night they returned. The 8* at
night a Battery of two medium 12 pounders on Schuyl-
kill Point. The loth made our first Battery over
Schuylkill in the night, which to the 15* early in the
morning is 4 nights interval only to the time we open'd
the Batteries. Rain & Rest intervened;
Found the meadows very extensively over flowed
and at a season that there was no remedy, not being
either at full or Change of the moon to dam the waters
out at very low tides Rebels having cut the Dykes
and destroyed the Dams.
Having secured Bridges to make previous to work-
ing as the Causeways were cut up by the Rebels.
Local circumstances should be considered.
The distance not only to carry the materials (some
even from the Camp at German Town) but also to
have them deposited at the Ferry, then handled again,
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 33
to be put into Boats then to be taken out and laid on
its opposite side then taken & carried to the respective
works, distant a mile & ^ and notwithstanding the
Bridges &^ the men in many places above their knees.
November 4th
Dear Sir
We have had Lord Cornwallis and Gen* Gray here,
who are of opinion that the Guns can go to the front
Bank. His Lordship wishes to have the Battery at
that Place I shall therefore Build it there if I do not
Receive Contrary orders. We shall want 200 men to
Relieve the working Party in the middle of the night
I am Sir your most obd^
Rum for the Party James Moncrief
Cap' John Montresor
Chief Engineer
The Batteries that were to be constructed were in
General a fleur d'Eau and immediately under the fire
of the Rebel Floating Batteries and Gallies and small
gun Boats.
The Nights as well as the situations very unfavour-
able as the moon during the whole time rose early and
clear & subject to discover us.
After wading along Causeways, through Cuts in the
Meadows and Bog Holes and reaching the spot to
work on — we had to fill the Ditch in the rear of a small
Dyke with fascines even to get a footing to work.
This Season, the fall of the year, the Waters are in
general higher & the spaces they leave slippery, and
miry.
Could find no people near the Works that could
give us the different Communication through these
Meadows.
. Had got to cut up the Darby road and Road across
the Dam leading to Grays Ferry.
Was obliged to make a Battery first at the Mouth
of the River Schuylkill on the North Side, to prevent
134 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the Row Galleys & Floating Batteries annoying us on
Province Island.
One whole day heavy Rain & no work done & the
Succeeding day not a great deal as it overflowed and
mired the soil.
Engineers, Assistant Engineers &*" all sick except
Cap* Moncrief who from fatigue was greatly worn out.
The handfuU of Troops that are ordered for this
Service from the hard duty in Town and here (not be-
ing scarce a night in Bed) get fatigued after a few
hours work.
Two or three days delay was caused by the Rebels
firing at the Flat from Gray*s Ferry coming down to
Schuylkill Ferry — shot the 2 men who afterwards es-
caped but took the Flat — another day 2 Negroes &
others made another attempt but too late in the Tide.
The Commander in Chief had not determined (at
least to us) near ten days after we arrived, that the
Fort was to be attacked.
One night an alert, which diminished the numbers
of our workmen.
Thought the Ships were to assist, and could not tell
to the contrary but what this attack was only appear-
ance as (Bridge Valley Forge, Middle Bastion &c).
Working parties march Seven Miles before they can
work.
One directed for Rest on account of the Over Fa-
tigue.
The Detachment relieved every twenty four hours.
The Detachment of Artillery relieved every 48 hours
Engineers and Artificers — not at all.
The General sends for Ordnance to Chester without
consulting the Chief Engineer ! or Commanding officer
of Artiller) and such matters as he thinks best calcu*
lated for the purposes he wants them.
Of works, he orders them when he thinks most
proper, the same of their Figure, Platforms &c &c
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 35
Men^ of British Folly ^ not having any good subjects
of their own :
Jean Francois Gabriel De Ruvignes — lo Shillings
per day as Captain of Miners and Rank of major.
Mynheer Samuel Jan Van HoUandt Surveyor Gen-
eral at 2O0O £, per annum Sterling.
A. B. C. D. E. F — Wallet des Barres Surveyor
General Nova Scotia — 2 1 Shillings per diem Sterling.
Adolphus Benzell, Surveyor General of the Woods
at 300 £ Sterling per annum — 600 £^ for loss of Bag-
gage and Travelling Expenses and leave to sell his
Lieutenancy which he did not buy.
*Van de Brahm Surveyor General to the South-
ward.
Francis Van Phister 700 £ per annum the Niagara
carrying Place.
Lewis &c van Fuser — a major in 60* Reg* Assistant
Engineer — aid-de-Camp to Lord Albemarle and turned
out H. Hamilton. Que lies folies.
Memorandums.
Should the American Colonies (after all) be lost to
Great Britain, it may be attributed to a variety of un-
fortunate circumstances and Blunders, &c., viz. General
Gage having all his Cabinet papers. Ministers' Let-
ters, &c., and his Correspondence all stole out of a
large Closet, or Wardrobe, up one pair of Stairs on
the Landing at the Government House at Boston . . .
1775- .
Taking Post at Boston — a mere Libel on Common
Sense — being commanded all round — a mere Target
or Man in the Almanack, with the Points of the Swords
directed to every Feature.
* In Hugh Gaines' almanac (New York) he is called W°* de Braham
Esq"
136 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Not purchasing the Rebel Generals; even Israel
Putnam, of Connecticut,* might have been bought to
my certain knowledge, for one dollar per day, or 8
shillings New York Currency. The following Rebel
Generals might have been obtained at a still '* melieur
marchais," viz. : —
Lasher, the Shoemaker of New York.
Heard, the Tavern-keeper of Woodbridge.
Pomeroy, the Gunsmith.
Fribble, the Tavern-keeper of Canterbury, Old
England.
Putnam, the Carpenter of Conecticut.
The singular Circumstance of the meeting of Lord
Howe and Doctor Benjamin Franklin in Cavendish-
square, previous to his Lordship's departure for taking
Command of y* Fleet in N. America.
The sending the 2 Howes out as Commanders-in-
Chief and Commissioners for restoring Peace, with the
Sword in one Hand and the Olive Branch in the
other ; and they two at the same time avowedly in the
opposition, and Friends to the Americans.
The sending three Commissioners afterwards, Earl
of Carlisle, Governor Johnstone, and Mr. Eden, and
their Secretary, Ferguson, and Johnstone with a cargo
of Washington's Pictures and Tobacco Boxes, &c.,
with the brave General Washington, and the story of
Reed, Adjutant- General in the Rebel Service.
Blunders in America.
Blunder in sending General Gage with four Regi-
ments to Boston.
The sending of Burgoyne on a Route where he
never had been, nor knew anything of. Commanding'
officer of the Artillery a parade-man, neither knew
American service, clogged with a needless heavy train
of Artillery. No Engineer that had ever been there
* Putnam was with Montr6sor under Col. Bradstreet in 1764, and is
mentioned in his Journal of that Expedition.
JOURNAJLS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. I37
before ; no plans, &c. Of all absurd things, dividing
that little army, one division with Lt Leger, and the
other with Skene, two madmen.
Sending Sir Wm. Howe to the Chesapeake. Chesa-
peake left open for Rebels' remittences to France.
Clinton's permitting Washington to the Southward, by
believing a letter left in his way, saying New York
was to be attacked.
Lord Cornwallis going through an extensive wilder-
ness, and at last aU Prisoners. Example, vide Brad-
dock. Clinton leaving Mud Island and all works
standing in 1778, after being spoke to twice by me
respecting blowing them up, for which Chambers were
all prepared. At last forgot it. Also of the nation
leaving all those on the Continent standing, and the
Stores of Philadelphia full, and dismantled the works,
without saying a word to me, the Chief Engineer.
Sir Wm. Howe omitted sending an Engineer with
Count Dunop up to Red Bank, and Dunop himself
took no Tools. Behold the consequences.
Clinton forgot, and his Engineers, to take Tools to
the attack of Fort Montgomery. Fuego y Spada salva
pour sores Americanorum. The war in this country
should have been carried on as Dean Tucker men-
tioned, and a Fleet on this Coast.
String of Blunders, and wound up by the greatest
blunder of all Blunders, a Blundering disgraceful Peace
of 1783.
Queer ef Why did not Col. Stirling go on when ad-
vanced up to Billingsport, to Manto Creek, and pro-
ceed to Red Bank ?
Why did we not contract our circle, instead of keep-
ing our Force so divided, and give greater weight to
our attacks toward Mud Island ?
Why leave that garrison at Wilmington from the
Battle of Brandywine until , and wouldn't it have
been considered better that they had joined Colonel
Sterling, with the 42nd and loth Regiments, and taken
post at Red Bank ? .
138 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
When the Commander-in-Chief remarked that noth-
ing had been done for 3 weeks past at Philadelphia, &c.
(in reference to the Siege of Mud Island), QiMsre
whether that might not be retorted (with submission)
at Germantown r
Why not come to Philadelphia, at least nearer to it,
after the possession of it, and open the communication,
in stead of three weeks at Germantown ?
Why were our Bomb Catches left behind ?
Why never raise any Light Horse, when found so
serviceable ?
Why never pursue the Enemy when the day was
our own ?
Why that perpetual Pont D'or — ?
Whether, commencing this war with fire and sword,
it would not have been crushed long ere this, October,
1777?
September 18, 1778 : — Discovered from a variety of
Informations that Intelligence is constantly transmitted
to the Rebels of our movements from time to time, and
that from our British Senate, both Upper and Lower
House, particularly the latter, in the Correspondence
with the Arch Rebels, Demagogues, and Rebel Gen-
erals, viz. from Burke to Dr. Franklin, Fox to Barr^,
to General Cadwallader, &c., &c.
'' Hail, happy Country ! that can thus disclose
Thy inmost secrets to thy deadliest foes.** •
[Extracts from Ccf John Montresors Journal of his
Tour in France, Germany and Switzerland in the
years 1785 and 86."]
I was asked twice what would have been the most
effectual method of putting an end to the American
Rebellion, upon general heads, but frequently since on
particular parts, that might have become the means of
crushing that Hydra.
* To emphasize the expression of his feelings in quoting the above
lines, he writes them in his Journal in red ink.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 39
October i8* 1786 Duke Ferdinand regnant, of
Brunswick questioned me in a very military manner re-
specting the war in America during the four and twenty
campaigns that I had served there.
J\Iy reasons for the ill success of y late war in
America.
Factions in both Houses of Parliament — Debates
previous to Execution — Correspondence from mem-
bers to rebels — Not a sufficient number of Troops at
first — Length of time before declared in rebellion —
Repeal of Stamp act — Not accepting Prince Ferdi-
nand's offer — Not but \ as many Engineers as the
Enemy — No previous Place d'Armes and Arcenals, as
observed by the late King of Prussia — Store Ships,
ordnance &'' by Rebel Masters — Not executing spies
as Hutchins &*" — Giving discreet Powers and yet re-
sponsibility— Secretary of State's, letters, yea and pri-
vate pay — Succession of Commanders in chief, each a
campaign lost — helped encouraging desertions — Per-
severing in Lord North's maladministration — Releas-
■ ing Co* Ethan Allen and treating at all with rebels —
Costive in rank and no orders of merit — o. p — our vic-
tories— Want, sinews, cash — ditto Information — Gov-
ernment should have bought, early rebels — Farce of
Commissioners and Governor Johnston's pictures and
Mrs Read Ba"" — Trial of Rebel Boat from Tarrytown
— Unfortunate delay of Byron's Fleet — A series of
Fatalities — A String of Blunders — Officers resigna-
tions from neglect — Want of Camp-equippage from
England in time particularly in 1777. — Quelque fois
des mauvais Conseilleurs. Become unavoidably a war
of Posts chiefly for the protection of the Loyalists,
which ever drew our little army — The length of Time
before America was declared in Rebellion — and then
by Mr. Grenville. — No order vested in the British
Commander in chief to punish a Hessian soldier with
death — Inattention paid to General Gage's letters of
I40 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the hostile Intentions of y* rebels — Or to Sir Wm.
Howe's about the supply of Troops — and not Cutting
when y** rebels had formed Alliances with France
Spain and Holland and without waiting for the pros-
pect of one — Not attention paid Indians by presents
&c &c — Burke corresponded with Franklin and
avowed it — Fox declared that had he been in America
he would be the first that would have taken up arms
in its defence — The tardiness in sending Troops out
and when sent insufficient not sent out as Lord Town-
shend said of the war before like Beef Steaks — Hot
and Hot ' — No loss (in my humble opinion) that of
the American Colonies except the Point of Honour in
not being able to maintain them '* mais au contraire en
la chenal de la Commerce."
Le Jeune Comte de Rochambeau said to — Drake
that Co* Tarleton has no merit as an officer, but that
bravery that every Grenadier has — but is a Butcher
and a Barbarian.
King^ of Prussia gave his Works to Signor Locasini
an Italian and Grand Chamberlain, Comte de Mira-
beau is at Berlin and 'tis said, sent by the Court of
France to collect the King of Prussia's papers in order
to write his History. His [Honour y* Count, by the
bye is a d — d Impudent Fellow to my knowledge. —
Princess Augusta, Duke of Brunswick's sister is an
abbess, though a Protestant, having convents of that
Religion which is an Excellent Institution for super-
annuated maidens. Comte de Mirabeau had the as-
surance to ask the abbess Princess Augusta whether
the great Bronze Lion which stands in the Centre of a
Square (and Fronts prince Ferdinand's house) was-
one of their Saints ? which she could not help men-
tioning to Mrs Montr^sor remarking several other
Traits of the Count's modesty.
14 October 1786. Paid all the necessary visits of
Etiquette preparatory to our being presented at Court
(Brunswick). —
- October i8th — Ladies knit at the Play, even maids
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. I4I
of Honour, Countess Schulenburgh &^ Great good-
ness of Heart and public Generosity and hospitality at
ye court of Brunswick and the same of all the House-
hold gentle and simple.
28* October 1786. At Hesse Cassel myself and Sons
dined at Lieu' General Knyphausen's, Governor of
Cassel, which Mrs Montresor insisted on though so
ill — observed that almost every court has a Mirabeau.
Many English Customs introduced here since the
Return of y* Hessian troops from America. [On the
31'* October they took leave of the Court at Hesse
Cassel, and the writer adds :] Met with the greatest
politeness and attention even to Friendship at the
Landgravine's court and from all the Household who
seem to be good and hospitable, which I cannot say
has been altogether the case else where amongst all
our old Hessian Generals and Colonels that I served
with besides other Generals &^ we brought letters to.
Tis true we dined one day at Lieut General Knyp-
hausens, who has a pension of ;^300 sterling from
Great Britain. —
Bon mot. Told in France of Lord Howe by Lord
Drummond of . That at anchor on the Coast of
North America in a very hard Gale of wind, one of
his Lieutenants reported to his Lordship with concern
•' that his Anchors were come home'' He replied
** Well, no wonder ! for who the Devil would be
abroad such weather."
^ State of Facts respecting the present distressed situ-
ation of the Corps of British Engineers princi-
pally with regard to their Want of Rank ^ by John
Montresor
How far my Rank of Captain is adequate to my
special Commission as Chief Engineer in America.
The Corps of Engineers appear to me to be at this
very period at its lowest Ebb.
142 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOIL
Do not observe any one to seem inclined to rescue
them from their Lethargy and supiness.
No fixed Pension for their Widows.
A Super Annuated Chief Engineer of England dying
with an Asthma for 25 years past.
No Chief Engineer ever heard of in the operations
of a Campaign unless he should be fortunate enough
to have a Contusion in his Boot.
How inconsistant are the Emoluments of a Lieu*
General tacked to a 7 shilling six penny Rank.
How Insignificant must a Chief Engineer of America
seem with the simple travelling Apellation of Captain
and Quere, whether there ever was a similar instance
of so extensive a Command with so flimsy a Rank,
when Deputy Quarter master Generals have rank as
Lieu' Colonel.
The great Distress our Corps labours under for
want pf a proper Rank (not being able to rise in any
other Corps &c) has been daily demonstrated to me
for some years past, as I scarce ever move from my
Quarters but what I meet a Platoon of General officers
of my own Standing in the Army.
The Principal in every Department far Exceeding
the Chief Engineer in rank — nay — even their Deputies,
particularly in that of the Quarter master and Adjutant
General's Department.
Never supported at home or abroad. Your answers
from the Board (if any) always evasive especially if on
the subject of maintaining your Right, the Board al-
ways submitting the matter and referring you to the
Commander in Chief, "in all Cases what so ever."
Our Rank rather an Injury to us particularly as far
as a Captain, which when without Quarters &c &c was
at least cis a field officer and every Subaltern as a Com-
missary &c instead of two in a Room.
When Appeals have been made in respect to Rank
especially in Sir Jeffrey Amherst's time 'twas always
deemed against the Engineer. Example Bastide, M'
Kellar, Weston &c &c &c
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 43
Why I might not have had the Rank of Lieu*
Colonel in America as well as Colonel Roy in Ger-
many ? I mention this only that a precedent was not
wanting. Col Roy was then a Captain Lieu' as was
General Robert Clerk at Rochfort a Lieu', myself one
of the oldest Captains in the Army and no less than
29 years in the King's service and that abroad, 24 of
which in the Field, had served in 18 actions, under 14
Commanders in Chief, been much wounded, a Ball
still in my Body, had my Lieutenancy in 48* Reg*
wrested from me, my Baggage often been taken by
the Enemy without any Restitution for it, Independent
of losses by the American Rebellion which I shall not
here enumerate, not to mention my pretensions from
Family services back to the fourth Generation.
How far the Rank of Captain is adequate to an
Officer of the first importance and with the largest
army that Britain ever sent into the Field and in the
hour of her greatest Distress. I leave the world to
Judge.
Conceive only that in so capital an Expedition as
that with Gen* Grant to the W Indies consisting often
compleat British Battalions & three Companies of
artillery & its Atiraille. my detaching as Commanding
Engineer a Lieu^ of Engineers M' Pitts, not from his
Rank as may be supposed, but from his approved abili-
ties. Remark. Lieu' Pitts, a subaltern 13 or 14 years.
Engineers cannot rise as the rest of the Army by pre-
ferment in any other Corps.
In making the proportional Rank between the En-
gineers and Artillery (which I never had the least Idea
of ) they were form'd much about the same time, the
Artillery now are increased to 4 Battalions and 4 full
Colonels, — we merely continue the same & with one
Colonel Only.
Present Situation of the Corps, respecting the
B d of Ord e.
Master General A weather cock
Lieu' do An Iron Man
144 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Surveyor General .... A ineer sordid Con- )
tractor Tottering >•
to the Horizon. )
Secretary A man of business,
but who never
gets through it . .
Chief Engineer In Coelo quies.
" Sic transit gloria mundi " l T M
" Tempus labitur et nihil Agitur" j J*
Lieu' Colonels Williamson, Garth &c wisely quitting
the Corps at the time they did, and their present rank
is a Demonstration of the Dull Rotation of our forgot-
ten Corps.
The Cruelty of that despotic Power of Commanders
in Chief abroad, not only disposing of the Corps
singly & severally as a Corps, but even out of their
Line, as aid de Camps, Deputy Quarter master Gen-
erals, Assistant Quarter master Generals Companions,
as Haldane to General Jones &? And that for a scien-
tifick Body, is too bad to Relate, viz* when I Com-
manded, Mulcaster with Sir W*" Howe, Mercer Sir
Harry Clinton, Robertson D. A. m' Gen* Dumford A
D. Qm G* Haldane Companion to m. G* Daniel Jones,
not to mention Twiss with General Phillip &*" and the
consequences, as Lieu* Gordons returning from Can-
ada on that Account
The tedious Rank the Engineers have to that of
Captain & even then has been a palpable Injury to
them in almost every instance and no stronger one
than in losing their presiding on the Calling of the Re*
spective officers together.
Perhaps it may be stated, the Engineers have a
kind of proportional Rank among themselves as to
Regiments. Answer — they have not, and a great addi-
tion are wanted of Engineers, as witness, the great
Expense Government is at abroad for Assistants. The
addition of 8 being made at the Tail instead of the
Head only made the preferment in that Corps a more
uphill piece of business. . .
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 45
Again in the present system of the Corps — you can
but be Colonel, should you arrive to be even chief
Engineer of England.
The Insignificance of our rank was never more
obvious than in Sir W" Howe's Letter to Lord Geo
Germaine, respecting the taking of mud Island, com-
paring his General Orders of thanks Philadelphia i6
november 1777 and his Public Letter dated Philadel-
phia 28 november 1777.
It may be asked wherein lies the disproportion of
Rank in the Corps of Engineers as respecting the
army in General ? The Army have one Colonel in
every three Field officers, the Engineers, one one in
seven, and that single Colonel to no less than 69
officers.
The much greater Encouragement given by foreign
nations to this Profession than our Own with respect
to Rank.
The Dull Rotation of our Corps cannot be more de-
monstrated, than there having not been but one Change
in the person of Chief Engineer for these Forty years.
Every new Levy serves to provide for the Army with
respect to Promotion but not to us.
The great necessity of ath Augnientation to this
Corps is very apparent in the N** of Ass* Engineers
abroad which are Yobbing the Reg^ of so many good
officers & often employing Les Ignorants.
Whether it may not be thought very Extraordinary !
that Chief Engineers with Armies on foreign service
should have scarce any Rank, when even Deputy
Quarter masters &*^ are indulged with Lieu^ Colonels
Rank. In short all officers, principals of Departmenrts,
but those of this Branch.
Officers in the Army may be promoted in upwards
of one hundred Corps, the Engineers as a scientifick
Body, can be but to one Only.
The Corps of Engineers are unhappily so situated,
that nothing but Deaths or Resignations of their Sen-
iors, can possibly give them Rank.
10
146 JOURNALS OF CAPT, JOHN MONTRESOR.
Again, waving all comparative Promotions between
this and other Corps how very faulty is its Establish-
ment, respecting their Rank, how inadequate to their
consequence both in the Field and garrisons when com-
pared to their Importance and what is Expected from
them. Pray who is, or should determine in the cab-
inet and Execute the nature of your Defences or who
is intrusted with the disposal of the Expences ? why
the Engineer.
An instance how this Corps is checked in its Promo-
tion was evidently demonstrated when I was Aid de
Camp to Sir William Howe when officers some Junior
were provided for when Aid de Camps at the very time
Cuyler, Balfour Gardiner, Knight and Fox and because
my consequence abroad was such as could not permit
me to be sent home I was neglected.
This singular Anecdote is well worthy of notice in
order to show how inadequate our Rank is to our time
of service and Consequence. Having ask'd Sir William
Howe for the Rank of Colonel for M' Edward Cole to
raise and Command a Rhode Island Reg^ in which I
succeeded, at the same time could not obtain a major's
Brevet when Chief Engineer in America, and that by
an especial Commission from the King.
When Major Dixon returned from the Command of
the Engineers Department in America, after having
served in it ten months he was requited with a settle-
ment of Ten shillings per diem for life, Captain Mon-
tresor after 24 years and with the aforementioned
services, not noticed. Page served Eleven days and
was then wounded and returned home and had ten
shillings per diem settled for life.
I think upon the whole there never was so great a
command as mine with so trifling a Rank since Britain
had an army in the Field, and with a Commission from
his majesty running thus — viz* " Chief Engineer of
America''
The within minutes are merely meant as a Prima
facie or Outline of the present distressed Establishment
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
147
of the Corps of Engineers principally intended to sqt
forth the numberless disadvantages that Corps labors
under for the want of proper Rank and which was
stated in a very masterly manner in a Pamphlet pub-
lished in 1768 Entitled ** Considerations on the Estab-
lishment of the British Engineers," to which In Order
to show how little the Corps of Engineers are attended
to even in Comparison to the Artillery see Sir Wil-
liam Howe's Letter to Lord George Germaine on the
taking of mud Island dated from Philadelphia.
Again, see the Debates in the House of Commons
in the middle of December 1 783 upon the Purchasing
Sir Gregory Page's House on Black Heath for the
Royal Military Academy where the Eng^ineers are not
mentioned all along and where the Artillery are.
It's rather Extraordinary that in a Countrey where the
Arts and Sciences are so much encouraged that a
scientifick Body and of so important a nature, iAai the
very Defence of the Realm depends upon, should be
so totally neglected
Captain Montresor's Itinerary in America cS*
Europe — between 1743 and 1778 —
43. From Gibralter to England
50 From England to Gibralter
53 ) From Gibralter to Barcelona & Marseilles &
54 ) From Marseilles to Gibralter.
54. From Gibralter to England
54. From England to Virginia in America
55. From Hampton in Virginia to Alexandria up
Potowmack River.
57 From New York to Halifax nova Scotia.
57 From Halifax to New York
58. From New York to Halifax
58. From Halifax to Louisbourg
59. From Louisbourg to Quebec
60. From Boston to Halifax & to Quebec
6a From Quebec to Montreal and returned
148 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
1 761. Grossed the Eastern Lakes From Quebec to
New England arid returned.
1762. Crossed the northern Lakes from Quebec to N
York
1763. Crossed the western Lakes from New York to
Detroit and returned.
1 764 Crossed the western Lakes from N York to De-
troit and returned.
1 766. From New York to Falmouth in Old England
1767 From Falmouth in Old England to N York
1 768 From N York to Boston by the sound
1 769 From New York to New Providence Bahama
1770 From New Providence to New York
'^ \ From N York to Boston & back 2 Trips per an-
JJ^ \ num to and fro.
1774 — From N York to the northern Lakes and re-
turned
1776 — From Boston to Halifax
1776 — From Halifax to New York
1777 — From N York to the Head of Elk at the Head
of Chesepeak Bay
1778 — From Philadelphia to N York —
1778 — From N York to Corke in Ireland and from
thence to England.
IL
Fort Edward, 1757* John Montresor.
' yanuary 30*. Commenced in carrying on. the
works.
31". Left this place M*^ Gordan Engineer relieved
by me for Albany.
February 18.* Came up a Detachment in lieu of the
sick sent down from the two Forts. Made a Demand
of men for clearing the stones and hawlingthem up as
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 49
also for clearing the Parapets and Bastions of the
snow which was refused as all the Garrison off duty
being ordered for felling of timber.
/v^l 19. All the Artificers ordered by Major Sparke
to go with the working Party to fell wood. Got 9 men
to cut the Skow out of the water, the other the smaller
is in the middle of y* River. Finished the Redoubt
and spoke to y* major for the Guard for it. Detached
the Corps for helving y* axes and the Smiths to repaire
them.
March 4*. Acquainted Major Sparke that I should
send the Carpenters in the wood to square timber, that
t' would be necessary to have as well, covering parties
^vrhich he refused. Also as there were sleighs here
t' would be of service to bring in the Pallisades, which
lue refused.
5* Finished the Guard room in the Ravelin, for i
unner, i Serjeant, and 10 men — acquainted the ma-
or.
6*. No Guards in the Ravelin Guard room.
13*. This day went down Morton to bring up the
Horses by M"^ Gordon Esq' for the Works here.
19*. Fort William Henry Attacked. Signals an-
swered by our Fort at 9 o'clock in the morning.
24*** Came in Sir William Johnson and militia.
27* Went down the Detachment of the two Regi-
snentsto Albany & the Detachment of Otways to Fort
"William Henry.
29'*' Came in the Detachment 44* & 48 from Fort
IVm Henry Commanded by Major Eyre.
30* — The Detachment could not march for the
weather &^
31**. Received orders and that Detachment
marched
April i" — 1757. Set out for Albany pursuant to the
Chief Engineer's orders & arrived the same evening
at Saratoga.
2°? Set out from Saratoga and arrived at the Half
moon Major Eyre's Garrison arrived at Albany.
150 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
3"* Set out from Half moon and arrived that even-
ing at Albany.
4* Arrived part of a Battalion of y* Royal Ameri-
cans to march to Schenectady.
5'? Arrived the Remainder to march to Schenectiday.
6* Arrived an Independent Company.
9**" Laid out the Garden for the General Hospital.
Marched the Battalion for Schnectady.
II* Orders from Lord Loudon, the Artillery to go
down to York.
1 3'** Surveyed and gave a sketch to General Aber-
crombie of the Garden & Environs the spot computed
to be 6 acres & f .
This day set out General Abercrombie for York.
16* Embarked for York y* artillery.
May 9* Orders for y* Regiment to Embark.
10* Received orders for the General and Captain
French's immediately to embark for York. I joined the
Company and set sail this afternoon.*
II . Run aground, got off and sailed.
12*^ Fair wind & 13* at York, arrived the whole
Reg' found encamped on the Island the 22** and 2 Bat-
talions of Royal Americans.
14* Encamped outside y* Stockade also the 44*
16* Arrived y* Highlanders & Encamped \ mile
to y* Northwards.
19* Rec"* pay as Assistant Engineer 11 2;^. 14! i?
for 322 days at 7/ per diem from 14. May 1756 to 31
March 1757. Lord Loudon reviewed our 3^ Reg**
from Albany viz' 42I 44* 48* Received orders at Roll
Calling not to take off our clothes without orders — Of-
ficers not men & to call the roll at twelve at night
20* Invested the place at 2 o'clock this mornings
in order to press men for seamen for the transports.
Orders for i serj' & 20 men of 5 Companies of the 3
* He was ordered to Louisbourg, under Wolfe. Ensign Demler, En-
gineer, was sent by Col. James Montresor November 4* 1758— with
^'Orders and Instructions for finishing the works at Fort Edward".
The list of requirements consist of 13 Items, drawn out in Col Montre-
sor's handwriting.
No6 Paoe 150
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. I5I
Reg" to embark on board their respective transports
the 5 sub of y* 48* Embarked this day with 20 men
on board the Queen Esther riding in New York Har-
bour.
24* May. 1757. Signal given for sailing. 21 Trans-
ports fell down to the Hook.
26* Sailed our transports and anchored in the nar-
rows in company with y* Elizabeth of our Division.
28* Sailed and joined the Remainder of the Fleet
at anchor within the Hook.
June 2I Came down the Admiral's ship and hoisted
his flag (Boscawen) from the 20 Gun Ship on board
the Sutherland 50 Gun Ship.
August I•^ Orders to embark our heavy Baggage.
2"/* Embark** our Brigade Commanded by Lord
Charles Hay for Cape Breton.
4^ Arrived a prize taken by y* Gosport from Louis-
bourg bound to old France, got intelligence of y* force
there and found letters concealed in her fish.
5* Disembarked Royal & Maj' Arrived y* Wind-
sor Bomb Catch & prize with an acc^ of the Force at
Louisbourg — 5 regiments to remain Royal & Scotch
& Brags garrison — Halifax.
6* Fell down the Fleet & Transports below y* Isl-
and 7 Ships of y* Line consisting of 17 Sail ahead of
us in order to be ready to proceed to cruize off Louis-
bourg the i" Wind.
7* Arrived orders for y* Transports in case of
reparation to rendez-vous at New York.
in.
Seige of Louisbourg, 1758.
1758 March 29. I arrived at N York from my Can-
tonment by order of Major Gen* Abercrombie Com*^ in
chief specified to me by the Chief Engineer that I was
152 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
appointed an Engineer on the Establishment & to act
also in America that I was ordered by the Board of
Ordnance to proceed with the Expedition to the North-
ward, but was countermanded by the Comm' in Chief
& to proceed with the troops for Louisbourg. In this
Harbour the Hampshire Diana and Scarborough.
30* Came in an Express from Boston. Accounts
of the arrival of his Majesty's Ship the Boreas.
31" Arrived here the Command of the 48* Reg* 300
men, from Livingston's Manor in order to join their
Reg* at their Cantonments in the Jerseys. The Reg*
to proceed to Philadelphia to embark for N York on
board of transports provided there for them, as also for
the 35^^ & Battalion of y* Royal Americans ^& to sail
to new York for their Convoy.
April iV The Ordnance ships loading as fast as
possible with stores for the Expedition. Seven pro-
vided for that purpose. At the Ordnance wharf on
that part of the town fronting the North River.
1 2* Major Eyre's ordered as Engineer to Fort Ed-
ward immediately. Cap* Gordan appointed Engineer
for the Southern Expedition.
13'** Arrived here from Albany the 17'** & 22** Reg^*
& ordered to remain on board their respective Sloops
till their transports are ready to receive them. The
44* Reg* ordered to Albany. Theres 5 Royal Artil-
lery Ships now loading the Dublin.
14*. Letters rec** from the Chief Engineer at Halifax
Col Bastide who arrived with Admiral Sir Cha" Hardy
who was gone from thence to cruise off Louisbourg.
j^th Arrived in this harbour the Prince of Orange
Privateer, her hands pressed as all vessells are when
they come in. Gen* Forbes set out from this place
for Philadelphia for the Southern Expedition.
16*^ July. Arrived the Squirrel from Halifax, and
transports from South Carolina of the i" Battalion of
the North Americans.
1 8* I set out for Trenton to settle the accounts with
the Regiment.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 53
21* Returned from Trenton and arrived at New
Yorle Came in a frigate from England with Dis-
patches for the Commander in chief.
22"**. Arrived the Devonshire with the Storeships
& empty transports. Orders given out this day for
all officers to repair on board their respective trans-
ports bound to Halifax Field officers & Staff officers
Except**.
24* Fell down the Dublin Artillery Ship to the
Narrows. Rec** from Co* James Montresor Esq' the
letter for the Chief Engineer Col Bastide.
25* Came down to the Hook the Commodore, Di-
ana frigate who was saluted by the Winchelsea. Our
forecastle caught fire but was presently extinguished.
A Gale of wind at W. S. W.
26* Wrote to the Chief Engineer. Fell down our
ship the Dublin from the Narrows to Sandy Hook.
Fell down the fleet of empty transports from the Nar-
rows where they were at anchor, to the Hook, with
their Convoy, Hind &c, the Devonshire at anchor
with* the Hook.
May^ 3'** Set sail y* Fleet. Arr"* here from New
York the Hampshire with Lord Loudoun to proceed
to England. Signals fir'd this day from the Commo-
dore for unmooring. The wind fair from the last day of
April for the fleet The fleet sail'd, the Hampshire in
Company the whole consisting of about 58 sail. Saw
the Devonshire at anchor — 7 leagues from the land,
the Hampshire saluted the Commodore & the Devon-
shire brought up the Rear.
4* Join'd the Fleet, the Devonshire which brought
up the rear, she saluted the Commodore. A signal
from the Europe Cap^ Williamson, a Blue Jack on the
foretop, mast head for the Ordnance ships to bear
down under her stern, he hail'd us & told us to keep
near him as his ship was a bad sailer. Convoy to the
Fleet, Devonshire 74, Ludlow Castle 40, Diana 32,
Gramont Sloop, Hunter Sloop and Winchelsea 20,
Hampshire 50, the two last quitted the Fleet one, the
154 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
former for Carolina, the latter for England. The Hind
& the Ann ship waited for the Transport Falmouth
with part of the 22** Reg^ on board, who had her Ensign
wipp'd when we sail'd and she at anchor.
6* Becalmed this night and in a fog, the fleet very
nigh one another, a very great swell, obliged to ring
the Bell and beat the Drum at night
8* The wind at South West, very fair.
12*. Le Due de Gramont Sloop of War passed
through the Fleet & hail'd each Transport that had
troops on board to anchor at Halifax, as nigh him as
possible & not to proceed up to the Town.
15* Went ahead of the Fleet Le Due de Gramont
Sloop of War to look out for Land, she returned about
1 2 o'clock at night with ace** that she had sounded in
40 fathoms coarse ground & that the Cape (Sambro)
bore N. E, they having seen it. The Commodore
made the Sign?il immediately for lying to.
16*. Set sail at 4 o'clock & found the Bearings
according to the Gramont's acc^ we being to the West-
ward of the Port. The wind foul & obfiged to trip it.
Cape Sambro Bearing about 5 leagues N. E. Came
off some Pilot Boats to the Ships of War. Our trans-
port ran foul of a Cat but no damage done to us.
Came to an anchor & most of the Fleet. Found on
our arrival Admiral Boscawen's Fleet. The Rangers
under the Command of Major Scott encamped on the
East side of the R opposite Halifax call** Dartmouth,
composed of a number of men from each Regiment
with the Provincials. Found in the Harbour a French
frigate sent in by Sir Charles Hardy.
17* Came in the Centurion. Waited on Col Bas-
tide, Chief Engineer and delivered him my letters
from Co^ Montresor. Arrived some of Anstruthers.
19*? Received Orders verbally from Co* Bastide
chief Eng' to proceed to George Island in order to
distribute the Gabions, Pallisades Hurdles, Pikes,
Boards & Plank on board the following Transports
appointed for that purpose viz*. Unity, Prince George,
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 55
Proserpine, Armilla. & John Thomas. Rec** the same
day Orders in writing from the Chief Eng' to assist M'
Hamilton, M' Alexander in loading the Boats with the
proper materials &c to be equally distributed to each
ship. Employed this day on the above service, came
on the Island the Admiral (Boscawen). Made my
report at night Remark. I finding the long Boat of
the 4 transports insufficient to transport the fascines
&*^ I loaded the Gondolas that returned from the East-
em Shore with Pickets & fascines which was approved
of by the Chief Engineer & received his verbal order
to detain these for that purpose. Sailed the Royal
William & 2 more ships of y* Line in order to join Sir
Charles Hardy.
20* I continued on George Island. Employed the
men in loading the small craft & shipping the Gabions
with Picketts & fascines. Came in the Hind of ao
Guns & the Armed with the Falmouth transport that
we had left behind when the fleet sailed from New
York.
21** I continued on George Island, employed the
working party as before. Orders this day that in all
probability the Granadiers & 3 first Battalions will
land first & not to pursue too far. That an officer of
artillery & 2 field pieces hold himself in readiness to
go on board a sloop with a number of pioneers for
■ not known. Came in an ace* that Sir Charles
Hardy had taken 3 Provision ships, 5 long Boats from
the men of war Alladad and Islam.
22"** The weather bad. No working party. Tis
recommended by the Admiral for landing that each
man be loaded with one brace of balls.
23"* Went on the working party on the Island
(Georges W) Consisting of i Serjeant & 9 men only.
Employed them in loading the small craft for the
Transports appointed for that service. Fell down 3
Transports Cha* Lyon, Rich** & Mary (& the Charles
not cleared sufficient to be loaded.)
24* The working party as usual consisting of 3 Ser-
156 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
jeants, 24 men employed them in shipping the Gabions,
loading the Boats for the Transports. Orders for the
troops to disembark tomorrow & land on the East
side to show them the sort of loading by brigades that
is with a proviso that the Fleet should not sail.
Signal for the troops Rendezvous — i Gun from the
North Bastion and that for the Disembarcation a mus-
ket discharged. The wind foul & foggy.
25* Working party as usual consisting of i officer,
I Serjeant, i Cap* and 60 men, employed them as be-
fore. The ships not all ready for receiving the stores,
fell down the Mary, Transport for to be loaded. Or-
ders from Co* Bastide to Cap* S. Williamson to attend
on the Island to morrow. 3 B L** gone to the East
shore & 3 here. All the Pickets expended in ship-
ping the last. All the troops disembarked on the
East side in there long boats tow'd by their yawls.
The Wind foul and foggy.
26* Continued our working party as before, em-
ployed them in shipping of gabions & employed this
day I Officer, i Engineer, Captain & 58 men. The
troops disembarked as before. The wind foul & foggy.
27* This day one man scalped, i taken away & one
wounded on the Dartmouth side by the Indians while
getting wood & water.
28* By Break of day, 3 Guns fired from the Battery
opposite the Governor's house, the signal for no offi-
cers or soldiers to be seen on shore. About 7 o'clock
fired the signal gun for sailing & all got under way.
By 4 o'clock PM we cleared Cape Sambro. The
Wind at North. Saw several sail about 9 in number
to the S. W of West One or two sloops of war &
a Bomb signal vessell joined us the Gramont went to
reconnoitre them. About 7 o'clock began to bear
away along shore. The Wind about to the westward.
Lost the Fleet, foggy weather, the wind foul.
yune i". Hazy & found ourselves consisting of
about 60 sail separated from the men of war, not one
being in sight. We steering off the Gut of Canso.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 57
The Captain of the Vessell opened his Rendezvous
letter in case of separation, which was to sail off Lou-
isbourg. About 5 o'clock PM, saw the Fleet to Wind-
ward, the wind foul & was standing in for the Shore
upon the Fleet discerning us, 3 Ships of war bore
down before the wind & brought up our rear. Small
winds.
2°** yune. The Hunter sloop of War fir'd a Gun &
made a signal for our fleet to bear down under his
stem. About 6 o'clock becalmed. Steer'd along
shore, saw a watch tower 4 leagues to y* North of us
with Breakers close to it, near the Town of S Mary's.
Another remarkable Island, bearing N E of us & west
of the other with Breakers, 2 small Islands between it
& the land about 4 leagues from the main land. All
the ships of War came to an anchor in Gaberus Bay
& the greatest part of y* Fleet.
3"* Four o'clock Am. The wind very fair. Several
of the fleet at anchor in Gaberus Bay & 10 sail of
Ships of War, they anchored on the west side of the
Bay to Leaward of several small Islands or riefs. The
Frigates surrounding the whole fleet to protect them
from Insults from the Ennemy on shore. Several of
them anchored opposite to the Ennemys Camp^ &
Batteries, which began about 7 o'clock am and con-
tinued the whole day to play on them which was re-
turned as hot by the Frigates & their small arms from
their round tops. By way of Experiment they landed
some men under their own fire who were ordered to
return immediately which they did & received a smart
fire from the enemy. The Ennemy's Camp surround-
ing the whole Bay in small parties with a great many
fires, some small Distance from the shore. By ap-
pearance having made an insignificant Entrenchment
all around the Bay to prevent our landing. This day
was sent on board the Frigates 10 Cohorns to play on
the Enemy with some of the Royal Artillery. Orders
for the troops to land when the signal is given as per
General Orders. Observed one of the Enemys small
158 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Magazines blown up. Also observed great Numbers
of Indians & sever^ ships in y* Harbour consisting of
about 12 sail, some large ships.
4* One Captain 3 Lieutenants of the Artillery or-
dered with two ordnance Transports to the East of
Louisbourg Harbour under the Command of Co*
Welsh. The Kensington & Trent still Engaging the
enemy also y* Gramont Provision Sloop &^ The
Kensmgton has 4 killed and 7 wounded by the Ene-
mys Cannon, 4 pounders. Very foggy weather, a
great swell & blowing fresh the fleet lowered their
yards & Topmasts. Several vessells drove. The
Sutherland fir'd ; made signals of distress but was re-
lieved by the Etna fire ship. A vessel with troops
ran on the rocks but the troops saved.
5*. Preparations for landing the troops but the surf
& fog prevented it. From the Ennemys Battery on
the Eastermost part of the Bay they threw 4-8 inch
shells but did no execution though tney fell very nigh
some of the Ordnance store-ships that were at anchor
near the shore.
6*^. An attempt to land the boats with troops assem-
bled at the Rendezvous, but the wet weather, fog &
surf again prevented its being put in Execution. The
troops retired to their transports by 1 2 o'clock. The
Ennemy keeping a smart fire upon the Boats that
make their appearance near the shore when recon-
noitering.
7* This day went out one frigate — 11 Sloops & a
Schooner Brag's Reg* on board steering to the East-
ward. A great surf & swell in y* Bay, as the wind
was off" the shore. Great probability of landing this
night Seems likely to be mild. General orders as
per General order. Demanding great silence upon our
disembarkation & no cheering, as the General is con-
vinced o[ the zeal & vigour of his troops which is to be
to morrow by Dawn of Day.
8* The Troops landed in 3 Divisions, the two first
about 4 o'clock, they under a heavy fire from the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 59
Enemy, the last Division about 5 o'clock, Commanded
by Major General Whitmore, that of the right, the left
by Laurence & Center by Wolf. The frigates kept an
incessant fire & lost some men from the Ennemy's
Batteries. Our army immediately took possession of
the heights. About ^ an hour after 8 the fire ceased on
both sides. Arriv'd Sir Charles Hardy & his fleet as
also appeared the frigate & sloops that sailed the y"^
ins^ to the Eastward. No orders for the Engineers
landing or Artillery. The Ennemy's fire lasted \ an
hour. The parapets of Log. As soon as the troops
landed the Boats made a second Disembarcation. The
Enemy set fire to all their Environs & outworks. Great
surf on the shore & i officer & 25 Grenadiers of
Amhurst's drowned on their landing.
g^ Continued Disembarking the Troops Camp Equi-
page, very foegy & great surt. A report that a ship
of the Line belonging to the French with a Battalion on
board got in the harbour. Orders from the Chief
Engineer that the Engineers meet the Engineer in
second at Head Quarters, or the Artillery Park. The
Artillery to disembark to morrow.
10* Disembarked the Engineers & waited at Head
Quarters. Reconnoitred the Ennemy's works, they
fired 2 or 3 Cannon shot. Artillery Engagement
near the Garrison betwixt our Irregulars & the Enne-
mies. Very little loss on either side. The Rangers
brought in 4 of the Ennemies Horses out of the woods.
Sir Charles Hardy came to an anchor out of the Bay
close to the mouth of the Harbour. Reconnoitered
the Harbour & found there to be 10 sail of Shippin^j, 5
of which appeared to be from 50 to 70 gun ships.
II* The Engineers went out reconnoitering the
Ennemy's works. Fleet &^ Came on shore the Chief
Engineer. This Evening the Ennemy fir'd 2 or 3 shots
at the reconnoitering parties. I took the bearings of
several parts of the Garrison & Fortification from the
rising ground, to the left of the place from our encamp-
ment. The rangers brought 2 or 3 more horses, 20
l6o . JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
men & killed a calf in the wood. A great surf, land-
ing the Provisions.
12* Landed the 6 light 6 pounders. Landed
Braggs Reg'. Went the Detachment under the Com-
mand of Gen^ Wolf consisting of 4 Companys of Gren-
adiers, Otways, Hobsons, Lascelles & Warburtons.
Saw y* French Pickets without the Garrison. A very
heavy fire Exchanged betwixt us. Great parties from
our troops employ 'd in landing provisions and Intrench-
ing tools. The Engineers ordered to remain in Camp
in case of being wanted. Cap' Bontain & M' Goddard
Assistant Engineer, order d for the survey of
had Cap' Williamson & L' Montresor ordered for y*
Survey from the Brook to the right of the Royal to the
P' of Kennington Cove where we first landed, the
Ennemy from the Garrison advancing. Our Pickets
went out Also Cap' Dixon, Cap' Williamson & L'
Montresor by the Chief Engineer's order to recon-
noitre the Ennemy.
13'** The Troops employed in loading provisions,
the weather too bad for the survey. This day the
Pickets were ordered out as the Ennemy advanced
consisting of about 3 or 400 men which were landed
from their Ships of War in the Harbour. An Engage-
ment began, which continued about an hour and a half.
We drove the Ennemy back from hill to hill till we
became exposed to the Cannon of the Garrison. They
fir'd 2 rounds of those Guns that bore on us but they
did not make us retreat. We killed & wounded 40,
one of which we brought in. We commenced this
night to break ground by making redoubts each to con-
tain 100 men. A long boat and crew lost by the surf.
The Artillery Park form'd this day.
14'^ Began the survey from the right of the Royal
beginning at the Brook & surveyed about i way to
Kennington Cove, as also went on the other survey
by Cap' Bontine. This morning the Ennemy began to
fire on the Redoubts with Cannon from the Garrison
upwards of an hour, killed only i man & wounded 2.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. l6l
A sloop with a Bomb on board was towing out of the
harbour by 2 petty Augurs but was soon drove in by
I of our frigates she came out with a view of bom-
barding our fleet that lay at Anchor off the Harbour's
Mouth. The Island Battery fired at the Frigate. Light
Brigade on Duty.
15*** Received Orders for our Brigade to relieve the
2** Brigade in the 3 Redoubts. Relieved them at sun-
set The Redoubts not yet pallisaded, Earth of y*
parapet ramm'd, or Banquettes formed. Came in 2
deserters. Arr** the Nightingale & Portmahon into
the Bay. Hospital tents erecting for the navy &
army. One field officer & 100 men to the Redoubt &
left laid out & the oldest captain & 100 men in the
Center & 200 workmen in each.
• 16* The Redoubt on the left finished this night.
Rec** a note from General Amherst to know situation
I was in, in regard to the works. Sent an answer.
The Island Battery fir'd about 14 or 15 Shot at Gen*
Wolt's works. Saw from the Redoubt a frigate & 4
sloops set sail for Lorendect to seize some of the En-
nemys schooners loaded with fish. This evening after
sunset arriv** 2 light 6 pounders at the left redoubt
Some Mortars landed. Marched the i" Brigade. No
working party for y* Engineers. The Ridouts finished.
17*** Landed this Day 3, twenty four Pounders &
powder shells &^ Mount this night 2'^ Brigade, i
Coxswain & 4 men taken off by the Indians below
Kennington Cove. They were gone for water, for
this vessell.
jgth 2nd Brigade Continues till 8 this night The
working partys employed in carrying material to the
Magazine & Artillery Stores to the Park. Frigate
that slip'd out of the Town for Quebec taken by us.
19* 3'** Brigade on Duty. M' Wolf opened his
Batteries against the shipping of Cannon and Mor-
tars.
2Qth ^«t Brigade on duty. The working parties em-
ployed as before in carrying Materials & Stores &^
If
1 62 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
This night some of the Gentries at the Command at
Kennington Cove fir'd at some Indians lurking about
there.
21*' Went on to continue the Survey Cap* William-
son & L' Montresor & finished the same. 2"** Brigade
on duty. Working parties employed in landing of
Cannon & Stores, carrying Gabions, fascines &: to
the Magazine on the road. This night we took post
on the Hill, this side of Green hill & constructed a
Ridout on it with a Ditch in the Front. M' Wolf can-
noned the French.
2 2"** 3'** Brigade on duty. I relieved Eng' Durnford
on the Ridout this side Green hill. The front with a
Parapet of 1 5 feet & a ditch to be pallisaded & framed.
Very foggy & not fired on by the Garrison or ship-
ping. The working party 100 men. Pickets 150
Cap' Bontine went out reconnoitring in the night with
a party of 20 light infantry & was nr'd on by 2 Pla-
toons. A great surf nothing landed. Part of the
Army employed in getting the stores from the outer
side & carrying the fascines & Gabions & from the
shore to the Road & perfecting & continuing the Great
road from the water side to the right of the Royal to-
wards Green hill. M' Wolf did not play from his
Batteries this night Came in a deserter who inform'd
us, that Gen* Wolf had hurt their shipping & wounded
some of their Officers & kill'd several Men & that a
shell struck one of the ships.
2^rd j.t Brigade on Duty. The advanced redoubt
this side of Green hill pallisaded & Completed with its
Couvert — Park. The Ennemy kept firing most of the
day on Gen* Wolf's Batteries from the Garrison Island
Battery & shipping. This day 8 battering pieces came
on shore which makes 19, 14 of which are mounted.
Working parties employed in carrying fascines. Ga-
bions &*' to the new road leading to the Green hill which
road is carrying on also from the Landing into it, called
Rouscove. Also carrying ordnance stores to the Artil-
lery Park.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 63
2^th 2nd Brigade, Employed in carrying fascines to
the road & making the road, perfecting & Continuing.
Also continuing that from whence the provisions &" is
landed in to the Great road. The Ennemy fired all
the Day at M' Wolf & the ridouts from the Garrison
Island & shipping, also threw a few shells. Returned
a Doctor that we had sent Flag of Truce to the Gar-
rison with a letter from the Governor. Our Brigades
relieve one another every night at 8 o'clock. The
fish taken at Lorembeck from the Ennemy order d to
be distributed to the Troops, lo.ooo pounds weight.
2^th ^rd Brigade. An incessant fire during the whole
day from M' Wolf at the Island Battery which he
silenc'd twice & threw several shells which were seen
to have burst within their works. Continued the road
that leads to Green hill under cover of the Hill of the
advanced ridout to where it begins to fall off & ex-
pose us to being enfiladed by the Frigate An En-
gineer came without the Garrison & fixed some Camp
Colours in a line with our road where we were at work.
Several shot struck in the road from the Garrison.
Came in a deserter. Part of the working party em-
ploy'd in carrying of Fascines &'' to the Grand Maga-
zine on the main road. Still continuing loading of
Artillery & Stores. Drew into y* Park 52 Morters
from the Ennemies Batteries in the rear of our Camp,
I. Iron I Brass. At present 19 pieces of Brass Ord-
nance Mounted 12" and 14". 400 men employed on the
working party.
26*** I" Brigade Continued on Duty from 4 o'clock
this morning untill 4 the next day. 2°** Brigade
mounts. The Ennemy kept an incessant fire with
Cannon the whole day upon M' Wolf, the Redouts &
the new road & M' Wolf upon them with very little
intermission. 600 men on the working party this day
employ'd as before. Arrived M' Wolf from his post
at the Lighthouse to our Encamp'. This night made
our lodgement on Green Hill. General Whitmore with
300 men under arms in the front of the Royals this
1 64 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
night as a reserve. The workmen met with no Inter-
ruption. The Ennemy began firing at Break of day
upon the workmen but were cover d also throwing of
shells. Gen* Wolf continued firing from his Batteries
on the Ennemy.
2^ih 2n<J Brigade on Duty. The Ennemy kept an
incessant fire upon our several posts, particularly at
M"^ Wolfs works and our lodgment on Green Hill.
The Ennemy sent small parties out to fire on our Gen-
tries, but were repulsed by us. A constant fire of small
Arms for one hour. This night began the Epaule-
ment across the swamp between the advanced Re-
dout & Green hill y^ within, 7 without the Ban or
at top, 2 feet Battery to prevent the frigates enfilading
us. One of our 24 Pounders Brass overset from the
Cattamarrans & sunk in 13 f water when coming on
shore.
28*** Arrived the Devonshire & Dublin ships of war
from Halifax. Lord Charles Hay on board, y^ Bri-
gade mounted at day break. A great fire of Cannon
& small arms Especially upon Green hill, killed 2 men
& wounded 3 by the Ennemy. This night the En-
nemy sunk 4 of their Ships in the Channell to prevent
our forcing the Harbour.
29*\ I*' Brigade on Duty. The Ennemy Continued
firing from the shipping at the Lodgment redouts &
M' Wolf's Batteries which Continued playing on them.
M' Wolf open'd another battery this side the Ennemy's
Grand Battery to remove the Shipping. The Ennemy
sent several small stragling parties to fire on our Gen-
tries at Green hill. Three Indians were seen by some
of our Rangers who kill'd & Scalp'd two & wounded
one who got off. The working parties employed in
carrying on the Epaulement & bringing Fascines, Ga-
bions &*" towards the advanced Redout. Saw several
French Regulars drawn up to the right of Green Hill
this Evening, — Continued disembarking the Cannon
which are all obliged to be, by Cattamarrans or Raft
jof logs the surf being so great. Set^sail Sir Charles
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 165
Hardy & 7 or 8 ships of the Line from me Harbours
mouth, in search of some French men of War seen off
the Coast The Command at Green hill 600 men and
two field Officers.
30*** — 2"** Brigade on duty, this night came in a de-
serter who brings intelligence that half their Garrison
is sick & that they expect 10 or 1400 Indians & Cana-
dians from Quebec on the rear of our Encampment
The Ennemy continued their fire as the Day before &
we on them. Went on with our Epaulement across
the Morass which is very boggy & wet Intelligence
also from the Deserter, that an officer about 8 days
ago had slipt in the Garrison & brought accounts of a
great body of men at Bay Verte intended for the rein-
forcement of the Garrison of Lowisbourg. And that
a shell had burst on board one of their Ships of the
line in the Harbour. Two men kill'd and 6 wounded
at Green hill by the Cannon and small arms.
July I*' 3'** Brigade on Duty. The Ennemy as be-
fore kept firing from the Garrison & frigate incessantly
on our workmen Sc*", threw several shells at us, but
badly directed.
2"** The I" Brigade on duty. Gen^ Whitmores 2
Company's Grenadiers & 600 men & 500 workmen
went this night & took possession of a rising ground
within 650 yards of the Flank'd Angle of the Citadel
Bastion to make a lodgment The Ennemy hearing
them at Work & kept a fire of Cannon on them.
Killed but 3 of our men. This day kept working on
the Epaulement & Carrying materials to the Angle of
it The Cannon & Mortars all landed. Came in Sir
Charles Hardy & his fleet from the Cruize.
^rd 2»><i Brigade on Duty. This night the Ennemy
Continued their firing as before, especially from the
Princesses Bastion in our last Lodgment also small
arms. Continued our work on the Epaulement &
bringing materials to our Works & making fascines,
two 6 pounders sent to the Lodgment to be placed
on each flank.
1 66 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
4**". 3'? Bngade on Duty. Continued at work on
the Epaulement. A party of men at work in making
a redan between the last advanced Lodgment & the
water side. The Town and shipping fir'd as before par-
ticularly at General Wolf's Batteries.
5* i»' Brigade on Duty. Continued on the Epaule-
ment and made 2 small advanced lodgments. The
Town and shipping kept an incessant fire on our ves-
sells, also with small arms.
gth 2"<i Brigade on Duty. Continued on the Epaule-
ment & perfecting the advanced Lodgments. Went
out of the Harbour a flag of Truce on board Sir Charles
Hardy who still continues at Anchor off the Harbour s
mouth with great part of the Ships of the line. The
Town & Shipping still kept an incessant Canonading
as before at our advanced works.
^th ^rd Brigade on Duty, this night Continued our
works on the Epaulements & orders for our joining
one lodgment to the other in order to form a kind of
i" parallel. The Ennemy kept firing as before on our
works & bombarding of us this night, the night turn-
ing very bad weather were obliged to dismiss the men
about 2 the next morning. The frigate that scour'd
the morass remov'd near the Town by break of day
this morning in order to refitt her. The Ennemy con-
structing advanced Redouts from Cape Noir. The
Ennemy sent out a flag of truce to the General for
leave to appoint a place for their Hospital.
July Z^ i" Brigade on Duty this night. Party con-
sisting of ordered for storming the French s out-
works this night. The working party, continued on
the Epaulement & compleating the Lodgment to the
right of the whole, making a communication or rather
continuing the left lodgment, to the next on the right.
This night the french made a sally upon our lodgment
in the night wherein was posted one Company of
Grenadiers of the i ^'^ Reg', from thence was detach'd
one Subaltern & 15 of that Company & 5 Rangers
through which the Ennemy pass'd undiscovered & took
s
^
<«
(
4 iH^i*'^'-
^'
No. 7 Page 167
}
f
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTBESOR. 1 67
US, en revers, so surprised the post kiird & took some
of our workmen, wounded & took Cap' Bontain Enei
neer, U of the Grenadiers & Earl of Dundonald,
kiird. we kiird, dead on the spot 17 took one,
wounded two & left one dead. A flag of truce was
sent out in the morning for their dead. The Com-
mand and workmen would have been entirely cut off
had it not been for the Grenadiers of the 22"** in the
next lodgment who advanced to support them, gave
the Ennemy their fire and drove the Ennemy off.
Came in this night two deserters.
Line of Battle — Siege 0/ Louisbourg — 1758.
\^See Illustrations. No. 7.]
yuly g^ 1758. 2"*^ Brigade on Duty this night. The
Roster alter'd & the Engineers divided in 2 Brigades.
The Ennemy continued their fire as usual on all our
works & General Wolfe's Batteries playing on their
shipping & Bombarding the Town. No Batteries
either of Cannon or Mortars as yet constructed by us
to the Right The Ennemy open'd 4 Embrasures in
the Curtin between Bastion du Roi & Dauphin and 2
men on the Curtin near Bastion Dauphin supported
without & Cas'd with Plank to the Ditch as the works
are in such bad repair. The Ennemy still continuing
constructing advanced works from Cape Noir by Re-
douts and have mounted two pieces of Cannon in one.
This morning the Ennemy sent out a Flag of truce to
bury their dead which we sent half way to them where
there were Biers brought for to carry them off. We
broke ground this night 300 yards advanced from Green
hill with 300 men & 100 covering party.
10* I"' Brigade on duty this night Continued our
works as before 300 men to the Lodgment advanced
from Green hill 200 Covering party about 100 of the en-
nemy appeared at some distance from us but did not ad-
vance. The Challenge done of our men. Made a flank
1 68 JOURNALS OF'CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
this night to the right of the Lodgment and prolonged
the left of the works. The Ennemy continued firing &
throwing several 13 inch Shells, but did no Execution.
We constructed a small Battery for six Pounders.
Came on shore from our Ships of War & encamp'd
near the Park of Artillery, a body of men from the
Marines that had been employed as Miners and to be
employed as such consisting of 100 men.
II*** For duty this night the 2d Brigade. The En-
nemy kept this day an incessant fire but mostly at Gen'
Wolfs Batteries, the ships in the Harbour firing Broad-
sides at a time. The Ennemy having small Filches of
Stone piled up before their Glacis, fire constantly from
them with small arms, but do little or no Execution.
The Ennemy still throwing shells at our advanced
works, but they throw them too far for success. Came
out an Engineer with an officer & a small body guard
who fix*d his Theodolite upon a small nole in the front
of Bastion du roi, 200 yd* in order to our Bearings &
Distances.
July I2'\ 1758. For duty this night the i** Brigade.
The work as before & N° of workmen. The Ennemy
continuing their fire, from the Garrison Captain Ken-
nedy as an assis' Engineer added to that Corps. 5
Deserters who were a guard to two prisoners from the
Island Battery to the town came in to Gen* Wolfs
works in a Boat.
j^th 2"^ Brigade for duty this night. N** of Work-
men as before Employ'd in enclosing the Lodgment
opposite to the Green Hill the left work of the whole
& completeing the other work. The Ennemy con-
tinuing their fire as before from the shipping and Gar-
rison. The Batteries picketted out this night.
14**". i" Brigade for duty this night N° of workmen
as before Employ'd in making a flfiche between the
principal Intrenchments to the left, also in continuing
that coulised Lodgment to the left of the whole across
the swamp to the next.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 69
j^th^ 2"^ Brigade for duty this night. This night a
rocket was fir'd from the light house & answered by
the two admirals a signal for the Ennemies shipping
going out of the harbour. This night three Batteries
were began to be constructed, the weather very bad,
so but little progress made. The workmen employed
also in continuing the roads from the Epaulement to
Green Hill. M' Woolfe compleatinga new of 8 Guns
Battery with some Iron Guns of 32 Pounders from the
Ships of War.
16^**. I" Brigade for Duty this night. This morning
twas observed the frigate had made its escape out of
the harbour. Sir Cha* Hardy's fleet off the harbour's
mouth went in chase of her. N** of workmen as be-
fore, Employ'd them in erecting the 3 Batteries began
on last night, one in the front of the principal Intrench-
ments, one between the i" and 2"** Fleche from the
seaside. The Ennemy kept firing this whole night
without ceasing, at the Center Battery opposite the
right face of the Bastion de la reine. But particularly
at General Woolfe's Detachm* who this evening took
post on a ridge call'd Gallows Hill 350 yd* from the
Garrison & drove the Ennemy in. The Highlanders
took post between him & Gallows Hill. Admiral Bos-
cawen sent out 5 or 6 sail of the line out of the Bay to
anchor off the Harbour's mouth to replace Sir Cha*
Hardy's fleet. A mortar Battery laid and mounted in
the rear of the principal Intrenchments.
July 17* 1758. 2"** Brigade for duty this night. Re-
turn'd several of Sir Cha* Hardy's fleet. The work-
men employ'd as before in continuing the work on the
Battery. The Ennemy this night continued a fire of
Cannon as before & small arms the whole night from
their Covert way. Three Companies of Grenadiers
join'd M' Woolfe this night.
18* I** Brigade for duty this night Was brought
into the park of Artillery 4 Royal Howitzers that
came with several of the Officers of Artillery from
170 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
England. The working party commenc'd this night
with arms, quitting their work by day break & re-
lieved by the troops of the Trenches. The dayly
working parties being mostly employed in cutting fas-
cines, filling sand bags & making roads. The ennemy
still at night continue firing their small arms from the
Covert way.
I9'\ 2"^ Brigade for Duty this night All the En-
gineers voluntarily on duty this night to Continue on
the Batteries. M*^ Woolfe's Batteries returned the fire
on their Ennemy the whole day (kill'd Ensign Roe of
the 48*). The Embrasures mark'd out this night &
the Merlons began on each Embrasure if possible
without hurting the Merlons, to extend from the
Flank'd Angle of the right face of the Queen's Bas-
tion if possible to the left shoulder of the west Gate
Bastion.
20*. i" Brigade for duty this night. Tis recom-
mended by the General that all the Engineers will
attend to compleat the Batteries. Came in a Deserter
from Cape Noir. 400 Seamen ordered on shore by
the Admiral to compleat the Battery on the right
of the whole, Light Grenadiers. Royal American
taken up by the Ennemy whilst visiting his advanced
Centrys between the Right Redout and the Admiral's
Battery.
21"*. 2"*^ Brigade on duty this night & to morrow.
This day one of the weather most ships of the line in
the harbour took fire by a shot from our Batteries on
the left attack & Communicated to 2 others of the
same rate & all 3 consumed leaving only the Commo-
dore & one other ship. Volunteers from the i*' Bri-
gade ordered on duty this night for that duty. L*
Montresor & 400 sailors came on shore this Evening
and were again divided to the two Batteries, corn-
pleated the same this night Platforms & Cannon
brought up from the Park.
22"**. I"' Brigade for duty this night & to morrow.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. I7I
Open'd this morning at day break the two Batteries,
that of the right between the right redout to the sea &
y* R* Intrenchment with 8 twenty four Pounders &
that on the left in front of the i" Intrenchment with
6-24 Pounders, also a bomb battery with 7 Mortars,
one 13 inches, two to inches and four 8 inches. Dis-
mounted some of the Guns on the Right face of the
Queen's Bastion. The Battery on the right parrallell
to y* Right face of the Queen's Bastion & that on the
left opposite the Capital of the King's. This day the
shells set the Buildings within the King's Bastion, on
fire & consumed great part of the same. Came on
shore 400 Seamen in order to construct the battery
laid out on the Right which this night was com-
pleated to the sole or sill of the embrasure. A Brig-
ade Major on Duty this night, on the Admiral's Bat-
tery during the stay of the seamen there. Our Bomb
Battery on y* R* continued playing the whole night on
y* Garrison, as also did Gen^ Woolfe's with 2 or 3
flight of Royals and Cohorns & from his gun batteries.
Went this morning 100 Marines to the left. The En-
nemy dismounted 2 Guns to the right.
23'**. 2"** Brigade for duty this night and to morrow.
This night the North Barrack in y* Queen's Bastion
built by us, were set on fire by us. We are burning,
bombarding & Cannonading the Town and Works.
This night the Ennemy threw six thirteen inch shells
into the Artillery EncampmS within 30 yds of y* Lab^
& 50 of the Magazine containing 1 500 Barrels of Pow-
der. The Engineer, en second, sent by the Com-
mander in Chief to the left to make a report of the
state of the works/under Gen^ Woolfe's Command and
reported that the 4 Gun Battery now constructing has
20 Embrasures bearing against it. The Ennemy dis-
mounted 2 of our Guns, 24 pounders, on the right
attack, our 2 Batteries on the right silenced those
on the Right face of Bastion de la Reine & greatly
damaged y* works. 400 Seamen as before to the
Bastion admiral & compleated it. —
172 JOURNALS, OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR,
24* July. 1758. i" Brigade for duty this night.
Came in from the Garrison this morning 7 deserters
from y*" left attack & two to the right, the flames con-
tinued this night about y* Bastion de la Reine.
25* 2"** Brigade for duty this night what work-
men employed taken from the troops off y* Trenches
as they can be spared. Employed them in repairing
of Batteries, Continuing the parrallell or Line of Com-
munication to the left attack from the principal In-
trenchS and making a road across the Morass about
50 yd* between the Admiral's Battery & the next lodg-
ment to y* left. We continued both day & night in
bombarding the Town & firing Richochets from our
Battery on the right attack. The scaling ladders car-
ried by the Voluntiers (Private) of y* 48**" Reg' to y^left.
Some scheme on foot by the Admiral for cutting away
from before the Town the 2 Ships of y* line, Prudent o:
Bienfaisant. No Cannon fir d but from the right face
of Bastion du Roi & only one mortar from Bastion de
la Reine which threw 4 or 5 shells, 2 of which the fuse
was of a blind composition. A heavy fire of small
arms from the Covertway of Bastion Dauphin the whole
night.
Capitulation.
26* i" Brigade for duty this night & tomorrow.
Just before day break the Admiral's scheme of yester-
day was put in Execution by setting on fire the Pru-
dent which they could not get off as it was low water,
and cutting away the Bienfaisant & carried her into
the N E harbour whose masts were so shattr'd that
her mainmast & Mizzen were carried away when
they took her away. This Day the Garrison sent out
a flag of truce to capitulate, to know our terms. The
Garrison agreed to surrender themselves prisoners of
War.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 73
27* One Engineer to attend the Commanding
Officer of the Trenches about 12 o'clock this day.
March'd into Town to take possession 3 Company of
Grenadiers Royal, Amherst's & Forbes & hoisted the
union on the King's Bastion. Decamped from the
grand Camp & Encamp'd on the Glacis the following
5 Reg^ Warburton's, Anstruther's, Forbes', & 2 Bat-
talion's Royal Americans. The garrison drew up in
their Parade Grounded their arms. Detach"*' from our
Troops too, order'd in to take possession & bring
them out & laid them near to the Glacis, with a Guard
with Postes. Orders for neither Officer or Soldier
to go into the Garrison without leave. Centrys posted
for that purpose.
28*** The Troops still relieve the Trenches & Bat-
teries. Sail'd into the Harbour the Royal William,
Sir Cha* Hardy & a great part of the Fleet.
29*** The Troops relieve the Batteries & Trenches
as before. The Survey began this day by an Engineer
of our attacks against the Town of Louisbourg. Be-
gan on the repairs of the Fortification.
30* Began to demolish the Trenches. Also remov-
ing our Ordnance & Stores off the Batteries near the
Town. Sail'd into the Harbour the Namur admiral
Boscawen & more Ships of war. Continuing on the
Repairs of the Fortification with 400 men employed
200 bringing Fascines & 200 employ'd in repairing the
Merlons of the Citadel Bastion, clearing the West Gate
of the masonry laid up against it by the Ennemy,
making a road into the Town for the Guns and throw-
ing down some of the Traverses put up in the Town
to prevent being enfiladed. This night sail'd for
England in the Shannon Ship of war Cap' Amherst &
Capt* Edgcumb with the acct* of the surrender of the
Garrison of Louisbourg.
31" 800 men employ'd as follows, 200 for repairing
the works, 200 for bringing Fascines &^ 200 for de-
molishing the Trenches & 200 for throwing down the
174 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Traverses of the Town & making a road in it. Wag-
gons employed in bringing stores from the Batteries to
the Town.
August i" 1758. Rec*^ the accounts of the defeat of
part of the army under the Command of Major Gen'
Abercrombie. Our workmen employed as the day be-
fore. Two Engineers attending the Repairs of the For-
tification and two to demolishing the Trenches.
2"** — Continued our works as before.
7***. The Detachment, one field officer & 200 men
embark'd for the Colliery at Spanish River to bring
the frames for Barracks for the two Regiments ready
framed. Several pieces embark'd this day.
lo*^. Set sail for S* John's Island the detachm' 2
field officers & 500 men, one Engineer. Lieu' Spry,
Tools & J 000 pallisades. workmen as before. Sail'd
this day the Hawk Sloop of War with dispatches for
England.
August II* 1758 The workmen employed as be-
fore. The sailors belonging to the french Ships
embarking for England, workmen employ'd in repair-
ing the S, W angle of the King s Bastion taking down
of traverses & clearing the Stones from the scarp of
the Works.
12*** The workmen employ'd as before upon the
different works of the Town, also in embarking th^
artillery brought from the different Batteries from the
town wharf & in demolishing the Batteries & attacks,
in cleaning several of the streets of the town & making
drains through the same and repairing the Island
Battery.
15*^ Decamped the main body & encamp'd on the
Borders of the Harbour. Sailed 5 Ships of the line &
9 transports with part of the French Garrison for Eng-
land leaving behiiod only the Bourgoies & sick.
20*** Three Reg** decamp'd from the line and em-
barked from the Barechois on board of Transports &
for the Expedition to Caspar in the River S. Lawrence
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 75
one Engineer, Cap' Williamson & one assistant. Ma-
sons & labourers employed in facing the Batteries of
the Dauphins Bastion.
August 30***. Sail'd Gen* Amherst & the troops for
Boston.
Sep**^ 1 2*** Sail'd the Artillery, 3 companies for Hali-
fax under convoy of our frigate.
14* Fleet for the French at S. Johns.
15* Sailed. I compleated the Plans and Sections
for Admiral Boscawen of y* Grand Battery.
October 16*. The 22"** & 40^** Regiments decamped
from the Glacis & marched into the Town & were
quartered in the houses belonging to the French In-
habitants fitted up for Barracks.
17^** The 45^** marched into Town.
19*** This day the pilasters of the West Gate were
finished and all the stone work.
20*** The men employ'd in cleaning the Ditch.
Disposition of the Engineers after the surrender of
Louisbourg July 26*^ 1758.
Cap' Dixon, L' Spry L' Durnford, L* Montresor=
Louisbourg.
Captain Weston — to Newfoundland.
Cap* L* Brewse, Cap' L* Williamson — to Halifax.
Cap' L' Debbeig — to Continent.
Cap' L' Bontein — to Annapolis (Nova Scotia) by
order of Colonel Bastide.
List of the Navy under the Command of Admiral
Boscawen against Louisbourg.
Namur 90 Oxford 70
Prince* Amelia 80 Bedford 64
Royal W» 84iTerrible 66
Dublin 74 Vanguard 64
Burford 78 Devonshire 66
Northumberland 70; Lancaster 68
176 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Prince Frederick 64 ' Shannon 28
Captain 64 Trent 28
Somerset 64 Scarborough 20
Nottingham 60 1 Nightingale 20
Pembroke 60 Port Mahon 20
Kingston 60 Squirrell 20
Prince of Orange .... 60 Kennington 20
Ontario 60 Hynd 20
York 60 Beaver 18
Defiance 60 Grammont 18
Arc-en-ciel 54 Hawk 14
Sutherland 30 Hunter 12
Juno 32 iEtna 8
Diana 32 Pluto
Boreas 28 | Lightning
King George
Engineers on this Expedition.
Colonel Bastide Director
Major McKellar Sub Director
Captain Dixon i ]
Captain Weston. ... 4 > Ordinary
Captain Brewse .... 7 )
Captain Lieu* Debbing. ... 2 )
Captain L* Bontaine 5 !>■ Extraordinary
Cap' Lieu' Williamson .... 8 )
Durnford 3 ]
Spry 6 > Practicioners
Montresor 9 )
3 Brigades and N^ as per Brigades
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR, 1 7/
Troops for the Expedition to Lotiisboiirg from
Halifax — 1758.
Rank &• File
852.
. . I Reg* Royal Scotch
763
" 15 '
* Amhersts
660
" 17 '
' Forbes
900
" 22 '
* Whitmores
Cory— 600
" 28 •
' Braggs 1
565
" 35 •
' Otways 1
550
" 40 '
* Hopson's f
864
" 45 '
' Warburtons \
857
" 47 '
* Lascelles /
928
" 48 '
* Webbs 1
618
" 58 '
* Anstruthers l
925
2"^ B;
at" Lawrences 1
798
-3" B;
at" Moncktons 1
1084
" 63
Frasers
6oo-
— Rang
ers — New England
237
— Roya
1 Artillery, /
iiSoi
Embark'd May
28* 1758
NonCommission'd officers
Ordnanc
of the Artillery not included.
Brass
:e with Rounds —
average
Battery Cannon
No Nature Rounds Ball RourcIs Grape Total
26. . . 24 . . 26000 . . 1300 . [ Cannon Baf" 44
18. .. 12, .. 14000 .. 900 ) Rounds 957
Brass Field Pieces
6 .. 6
15 . , Iron From S* George's Isl** Halifax
12
178
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Brass Mortar kind with their rounds on an Average
shells
2
.. 13 .
600
2 ,
10
600
7 ■
lO .
,. 8 .
• 3500
6200
30 .
•• 4f .
. 30000
400 Bomb Catch
■
Mortars
Total
57
40.900
Rounds
"717
2
4
57
8
54
Brass Howitzers
NB. 4 Royal Mortars could
not arrive from Albany.
Brass Ordnance
24 pounder Battering Cannon 26
12 do do do 18
Light 6 pounders field Pieces 6
Mortars and Howitzers 57
From Halifax, Iron Ship Guns
107
122
Nature of the Mortars & Hozuitzers viz'
13 inch
2
2
ID ••
8 "
5i "
4f " 30
8 inch 2
54 " ^
57-
7 ) Mortars —
ID
owitzers
> Howi
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR, 1 79
Inirefuhin^ Tools
Axes ^^"'"S i 530
^^^^ Pick f 2527
Barr* Hand \ 229
Wheel 3 814
j_T J Bills } 892
Hatchets j 992
Shovels shod 1 320
Spades 2302
Crosscut \ 19
Saws Hand > 16
Pit \ 10
Chevaux de Frises 30
Cuirasses with hand pieces 50
Mantlets 200
Scaling Ladders 105
Sand Bags
two Bushels 5000
one do 1 5.000
\ do 95.000
— 115.000 —
An abstract of the Defence of Louisbourgh from a
French officer s JournaL
Before the English appeared the Commodore Mon-
sieur Le Marquis De Goutte had caused his ships to
be posted in the most advantageous manner cross the
harbour to prevent the Enemy's fleet, should it at*
tempt to force the Road, from Entering whilst we sel-
dom saw less than 10 sail cruising off Louisbourg,
Sometimes divided, standing different ways.
Captain
do
I Duckafaux
Martel
do
S* Medar
do
do
Vendersteerget
Le Toiiche
do
De Ternay.
I So JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Jtinc I "(1757) [1758.] — At 8 in the Morning Goat's
Island made the signal for 20 sail and a little time after
for a considerable number more the Wind then at N.
N E. At 4 in the afternoon we received advice from S'
Anne's Bay of the arrival of a Squadron from Roche-
fort consisting of the following ships
Dragon 64
Belligeur .... 64
Brilliant 64 ... .
Sphinx 64 ... .
Hardie 64. . . .
Zephir ...... 36. . . .
This squadron under the Command of Monsieur Chef-
fant had on board a Battalion of Cambises Regiment
and brought under Convoy 2 Transports with provi-
sions for Louisbourg.
2""*. The English F'leet with a small Breeze at S. E,
entered the Bay of Gabarus and on the ^^ some more
joined them, we could not judge of the whole number
Exactly but immagine them to be 125 sail. This night
many Boats were seen making signals which occa-
sioned us to send our Boats and shallops to reconnoitre
and by a council of war held likewise this day on Board
the Commodore, more Troops were sent from the
Ships to reinforce them, already at Gautier Bay, in
case the Enemy should attempt landing there.
June 4th. This morning the Squadron sent men to
Transport some heavy Cannon and Mortars to the
Bay Gabarus which was Executed th** the land forces
looked upon it as Impracticable from the badness of
the road they must be hauled over. There were also
two 18 pounders transported by sea.
6**". Ten Companys entered the Town and on the
8*** the Enemy began the attack at Gabarus by 9 in
the morning, we learned the enemy had landed and
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. l8l
that our Troops were retiring with Precipitation, the
English having observed a neck of Rocks between
point Plat and Enmorandies was unguarded, landed
without any opposition owing to the blindness of our
Land Commander who thinking the place impracti-
gable had not even plac'd a Centinal to give a Notice
of the approach of the enemy's boats the Command-
ant of volunteers did not even dare to take time to
spike up the Cannon for the defence of the post he
had on this occasion. The Troops were recalled from
Gautier Bay and outposts, these with the remainder of
Cambises Reg' came into the Town on which service
on the following day the Boats of the Fleet were em-
ployed we had then many councils of War. On
shore they thought the ships might save the place, we
on our side represented to them warmly that a Town
without fortifications and ramparts falling down could
not hold out long that it was augmenting the loss to
the state by loosing 5 ships of war that might escape
under the favour of a Fog. Truth could not prevail
and we Judg'd the Governor at the Expence of the
King s ships only thought of making a more honour-
able capitulation for I have since learn'd the Com-
mandant could only act with the Governor. Then a
ship with two 18 pounders was arm'd forward to pre-
vent .the enemy from landing Any thing at the light
house, was often sent against the Frigates at anchor
at the entrance of the passage and the Harbour and
served the Boats carying water to the ships and Isl-
and as well as annoying the Enemy on shore.
19* At half an hour past 9 pm the Enemy began
to cannonade and bombard the ships from the Batterys
they had erected on the lighthouse side which con-
tinued till 4AM when it was returned from the ships
notwithstanding we were oblig'd in the afternoon to
alter our station and tow our ships nearer the Town
unable any longer to withstand the Enemy's fire from
their Batteries rais'd behind hills yet we did what we
1 82 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
could against them. Their Batterys successively ap-
proached us for how was it possible to dislodge them
from what was fortified by nature as well as art, which
overlooked our ships and oblig'd us to Barricade them
to cover the men from the Danger of the Enemys fire
and prevent our ship from blowing up.
22°^ We sent this days Provisions on shore being
informed from the Garrison that should we not be able
to maintain our ships against the Enemy and therefore
oblig d to retire on shore which could not but happen
from the Incessant fire at the ships and which we could
not return with any success we could not be subsisted
by them there not being a sufficiency for their own
people but afterwards we knew to the Contrary.
Their intentions being only to detain us in the Port,
in the meantime we still pres* our Departure but the
Governor and Officers always pretended the Town
was safe if we remained and went so far as to say if
we sail'd out they would charge the Squadron with the
loss of the place.
26'**. The Isle of Shiveres or Goat Island was
rendered already unable to fire any longer against the
Batterys at the light house & it must be observed that
this small Fort was no better fortified than the Town,
since for these 8 years past large sums of money have
been sent out to put them in proper condition of de-
fence, but the Money has been sank and the fortifica-
tions neglected, the Governor, Intendant and Engineer
can only give the reason for this neglect. The Eng-
lish paid very little attention to y*' Towne directing
their whole fire on the ships as the strongest Bul-
wark to prevent which from going out, seemed to
be their only view. Certain to take the Town at least
this was the General way of thinking, whenever they
pleased.
28*^ J tine 1757. [1758.] We sank 4 vessels in the
entrance of the Harbour and on the 29*** loosing a great
number of men in our ships which otherwise were in a
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR, 1 83
very bad condition, we towed them as near as possible,
to raise the reputation and glory of Individuals, to which
they sacrificed the welfare and honour of the state.
We suffer d no less in our new station for the enemy's
Battery's were still rais'd nearer to us. Most was that
displeas'd us was to hear it said throughout the Town,
we had not done our duty, in not distroying these
Batterys, nor would they receive our wounded men
into the hospital. It is necessary to know that there
is but one Hospital in the Town and one casemate
which latter the women occupied ; nor at the begin-
ning of the siege was there any preparation made to
carry the wounded or dead, our carpenters were oblig'd
to make us such necessarys, as they had not wood in y*"
town for any purpose nay they had not even Magazines
enough to receive our provisions in case we should be
obliged to abandon our ships. We proposed a sally
against these Batterys that so much annoy'd us, intend-
ing our Launches and shallops to favour the retreat
and the ships to protect the troops but they dreaded
being cut off and would not attempt any such thing.
July i". We sunk another ship at the mouth of the
Harbour and on the 3"* at night the town began to fire
on the enemy's Batteries. We had a frigate moor'd
close to the Shore, the want of water preventing us
placing a larger ship, that discovering over a low
swamp the enemy's works, secured them to great ad-
vantage. We were oblig'd for the want of Hospitals to
put our sick and wounded men under Tents that were
expos'd to the Enemy's fire nor were we even safe at
any time on board, to fight the Guns, to conceal from
the Enemy our Intentions. The seamen were em-
ploy'd on the Batterys & Ramparts and repairing the
works of the Town and our Soldiers joyn'd the Troops
we had already on shore to do the duty of the gar-
rison.
7^** The Enemy's fire which had spar'd the Frigate
till now oblig'd her to retire & haul along side the
184 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Commandants ship under cover. It was now reported
in the Town as a certainty that a monsieur Boiber was
landed on the Island with a Body of Savages but
whether he had only a few Men or by the vigilance of
the English he did nothing he rather became more
chargeable than useful as we were obliged to risque
some boats to carry him arms, ammunition and pro-
visions. We imagined this news was rather to en-
courage the troops, borne down with fatigue for one
should not be ignorant that they had done more work
to the place during the siege than had been done for
8 years before.
9*. At night they made a sortie but so badly con-
ducted that our soldiers fir d on each other by which
we lost more men than the Enemy, a matter so much
the more disadvantageous as the Garrison was very
weak by the number of sick, wounded & killed. The
soldiers for security slept in y*" streets where they were
only exposed to shells but in their Barracks they were
killed by both. I should have taken notice before of
a sally that was made before we quitted our ships
under y* Command of L' Co^ Antony who had with
him 1 200 men and the squadron was ordered on a cer-
tain signal to send their boats on shore to receive the
troops in case of a repulse but in the morning we
understood he had returned into the town without
effecting anything. The reason we cannot tell but the
soldiers ever ready in their Judgment, to a man de-
clared their chief had dishonoured them.
15**" From the 9'*" to this day the Enemy kept a
constant & Quick fire on the ships and town, the masts
of the ships were all damag d & a great number 'of
men were kill'd on Board, in the Town & Tents the
seamen laid in. This evening the Arethuse sail'd for
France.
20*\ Between 1 1 o'clock Am and 7 PM — 45 men
were kill'd, the wounded on Board & in y* town were
in proportion.
JOURNALS OF CAPT, JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 85
21" At noon a shell set fire to the Celebre's poop
which was soon in a flame & communicated itself on a
sudden to the Entreprenant & Capricieux, which could
not be prevented if it is observed we were oblig d to
anchor in a small space & close to each other the
depth of water not permitting it otherwise, happily the
Prudent, was to windward & received no damage.
The cables of the ships on fire being instantly cut
saved the Bienfaisant from sharing the same unhappy
fate which whilst the enemy embracing the oppor-
tunity kept a vigourous fire as well on the ships as on
the boats that came to save the people & killed a
great many.
22°*^ The Citadel caught fire wherein were some
Barracks, the Pavillion, the Governor's residence, was
all that was sav'd from the flames, the Enemy's fire
enfiladed the whole town & there was not a day
wherein there was not a house rais'd by the shells yet
the chiefs were not in the least mov'd at it, they
imagined the greater Massacre so much the Greater
would be the glory. Besides when a shell on a house
fell, it was seized by the Intendant in the King's name
& sold at the price it first cost to supply the wants of
the city with wood which had been before forgot &
which the Intendant & others can only account for.
This day we had 145 men kill'd and wounded.
23'** At night the grand Caverns which were of wood
took fire by a shell & was in an instant reduced to
ashes. All these circumstances kept the troops under
arms & Expos'd them to the vigourous fire of the En-
emy whereby a great number were kill'd and wounded.
The chiefs notwithstanding thought the breach not
large enough to surrender. They knew they would
not save the place & yet the good of the State call'd
on them to spare the blood of the subjects nor did they
give any attention to the fatigue of the Troops or the
Badness of the Provisions but thought it more glori-
ous to hold out a day or two longer which private
1 86 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
views moved them to do. All this night the troops were
employed to Masque the embrasures of the Batteries
and clear the foot of the ramparts.
25'*" At night under the cover of a great fog the
enemy's boats came into the road and attacked the two
remaining ships. The Prudent was soon in flames
and the Bienfaisant carried away to y* bottom of y*
Bay. Many were the opinions about the loss of these
2 ships that had but few men on board & these born
down with fatigue which rendered them incapable of
Executing their duty by a six weeks siege & had sus-
tained on board, the Enemies incessant fire of shot &
shell. I would ask what officer is not overbourne with
fatigue ? How is it possible for him to keep up the
spirits of men harassed out with so long a siege to
whom moments of fogg gave but a moments repose as
the enemy never ceas'd to embrace the least glance to
fire on the ship. In short on the 26*^ they came to a
resolution to capitulate and about 10 in the morning
the flag was hoisted on the beach near Port Dauphin*
The land officers upbraided the squadron with y* hard-
ships of the conditions as they pretend to say, the
ships had done nothing. This is a fact, that they had
sustained two sieges, but were not able to distroy the
hills behind which the Enemy had erected the batteries
and the soldiers on the covered way (and when put on
shore could not find men enough to work allotted
them for from y* Instant they were landed the seamen
were imploy'd on the batteries^. When any house
was set on fire the Carpenters and Gunners were or-
dered to extinguish it and even these carpenters were
employed to repair the Platforms. The only complaint
we have is, that the night of the capitulation contrary
to all the laws of war, the garrison carried from y*
King's magazines to private houses, provisions and
effects belonging to the King for which the Guard of
the Magazine is truly culpable.
27*.^ The English took possession of the Town, at
noon we grounded our arms.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
187
State of the Garrison of Louisbourg July 26*^ 1758.
Regiments.
I Fit for I No of
T«»-,i No of Duty. ; Soldiers
*°'*' Officers N« of I sick &
Soldiers ■■ wounded.
Regimentals.
)upes )
[Jom- V
• ■ • • I
24 Companys (en troupes
de Colonie & 2 Com-
panys of Artillery
2 Battalions volunteers }
Etrangers j"
2 Batt* Cambise
2 do D'Artois
2 do de Burgogne
1017
526
60S
466
414
76
38
38
32
30
Sea Officers & priv*' men
& marines belongmg to
the ships
}
2606
746
402
466
407
353
3031 214 2374
135 U24
Total of Prisoners = : 5637 I 349 3498
27
3«
443
1790
I _.
Artillery Blue ium*d
^5 up with red.
o. White turn'd up with
^^ Green.
'While tum'd up with
•°* ■■ red.
White plain w'^ red
waistcoats.
Regimentals of
Marines =
.^ . White tum*d up with
'347 I Blue.
French Regiments in Louisbourg.
Regiment De Cambise — white turn'd up with red.
D'Artois—
" De Marine — white turn'd up with red.
White Buttons.
" D'Artillerie — Blue turn'd up with red white
Buttons,
" Etrangers — white turned up with Green.
Inhabitants = 2500
French War Vessels at Louisbourg.
Le Prudent 74^
L'Entreprenant 74 [ g^^^^^
Le Capricieux 64 f
Le Celebre 64 J
Le Bienfaisant 64. . Taken
l88 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
L'Apollon 58 I
La Fidelle 32 V Sunk
Le Chevre 16 )
La Diana 32 rp ,
UEcho 32) ^^^^"^
L'Arethuse 32. . Escaped
IV.
Journal of a Rout froxM Louisbourg to Lake
Labrador taken with a pocket Compass and
THE Distances Computed with what remarks
AND observations THAT' COULD BE OBTAINED AT
THAT SEASON, AS IT WAS WiNTER AND THE SnOW
NEARLY FIVE FEET IN DEPTH. JOHN MoNTR^SOR.
1759 March 27* One Officer — 26 Rangers, 3 pri-
vate men of y* 45^** Reg* and volunteers, the whole
consisting of 40 men, were detached from y* Garrison,
by order of his Excellency Brig' Gen^ Whitmore, Gov'
of Louisbourg & to proceed on an Inland Scout, di-
recting to Lake La Brador, from thence to Pointe la
Jeunesse, a point of land so called from the name of a
man, that settled there, one Le Jeune. So to cross
the Lake again to La Badick bearing N from thence,
where there is a small straggling settlement, near the
Saw Mill River, to bring in what French [Acadians] we
could find inhabiting those parts.
At 8 o'clock in the morning the party marched from
the Garrison to the Blockhouse and from thence to the
four mile house, where they halted & refreshed, being
4 miles from the Block house, where a party of Rang-
ers under the Command of L* Crofton during the seige,
ambuscaded a body of the Ennemies Indians, two of
which were killed & scalped within 10 yards of the
road. From thence the party marched to the 6 mile
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 89
Bridge, 6 miles from the Block house. This Bridge
is laid across the run or Rivulet that leads to Cabinet
Planchi. which is a number of small lakes joined to-
gether, the borders of which producing good wood for
cabinet work. The house, well furnished, was a
boarded house this was destroyed. They continued
their march a course W for near a mile, the land pro-
ducing Birch, Beech, firr, Maple and hemlock trees.
The country pretty open in comparison to the first
part of this march. The land very good & but little
underwood. Course N.W — steep for one mile from
the Western course, then forms a valley producing firs
& spruce there's a pretty good road made across this
Swamp by laying saplings or sparrs across, so tied
down with a small ditch at each side to drain off the
water. This valley runs to the bridge 3 miles & ^ from
Portic's farm. The Bridge over Riviere des Trois
Lacs is 60 feet in length running from Lac a Lertie
to the first of the 3 lakes, the course from hence West
for a mile, then the road is laid out due N. Passed a very
steep mountain whose summit or Pitch is not the least
Commanded ; its rise is about 600 yards whose Range
runs. parallel to Lac a Lertie & marched on its Brow —
producing Birch and Maple trees — passed several very
small runs too insignificent to insert and then con-
tinued in a new course on a Second mountain — the
Barn where we encamped or quartered which was
built by Jean Lertie from whom the Lake is named as
also the Lake adjacent to the House.
28* The weather snowy with Sleet. The party
could not proceed before 8 o'clock in the morning. A
west course, the land extreamly good producing Birch,
Beech and Maple trees, no underwood, the course for
the most part N.W. Marched thro' the remains of a
village called Village d'almagne, burnt down, this spot
was generally called by the French, Les Deserts the
land being open, free from trees. 'Twas inhabited by
several Germans who received Provisions &*" to settle
at Chebucto, they deserted from thence to the Island
190 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
S' John & were sent to Louisbourg the Governor of
which place gave them a patent for this land. This
village is terminated by the saw mill Creek that runs
out from the Pond into the Lake Miray after crossing
the Bridge commences another village called by the
French village de Rouler (burnt) or Whores Town
situated on the ascent of Montaigne Diable, or Devils
Mountain whose descent leads to the Lake and on
which Continues the remainder of the village de
rouler. These houses were built with logs and Plas-
tered, with small Enclosures picketted in and parallel
to the Road. Miray Lake at the Ferriage or Cross-
ing is better than half a mile across over when there is
an Extensive view of each side for near 5 miles N E
and S.West. Could not learn its depth as 'twas froze
over but several bodies of old trees might be observed
when the Party returned as 'twas a great thaw and
that part of the Ice where they appeared more open
than the rest. On its opposite side there is a post in
the form of a cross with Chemin Raymond wrote on a
piece of Tin painted blue nailed thereon (there is one
every 12 miles which were set up by Comte de Ray-
mond), continued from thence a new course for f of a
mile to a Barn that did belong to one Beaubassin,
where they encamped or quartered.
29*** The weather being bad till 10 o'clock, one of
the party with two Rangers went down Sanspied
River which leads into Mirey Lake about f of a mile
this side from where the River opens into the Lake,
was observed a creek that ran into the River well
dammed up with a very good saw mill there on with
a good dwelling house in repair — two rooms in it and
but one fire place, with an Oven, there were several
good Berths or bed places built in the house, supposed
for the Sawyers and people belonging to the mill and
a large Iron Kettle capable of containing four Gallons.
This house is built with logs squared and has a Loft,
it is situated on a point of land and the River and
creek form a kind of fork, there is several foot boards
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. I9I
and slabs — the quantity not specified as the snow
covered great part of it. About 1 2 o'clock the weather
clearing up the party decamped and marched, the
road leading round the house by reason of the swamp
betwixt it and Sanspied River the land very good pro-
ducing Birch, Beech and Maple Trees — the course
mostly N. W by North. Marched to a large opening
that had been cultivated about 5 miles from the Barn
and one mile the South Side of the Mountains. This
mountain was found the most difficult of any to march
up it being very steep and the road made straight up
for near 500 yards to the Pitch * instead of being made
in a serpentine manner which would greatly have facil-
itated its access. There is a small fall of water that
empties itself into this creek before they came to the
mountain about 50 feet perpendicular. This moun-
tain and Montagne Diable form the Mountains of
Miray.
30*** At 6 o'clock in the morning they decamped but
were obliged to leave behind one of the Party that
fell sick, and one to attend him — they marched 3 miles
to the foot of the Labrador Mountain — still a good
soil and little underwood — they marched up the moun-
tain to its summit for f of a mile where stands Comte
de Raymonds cross, where Monsieur Lavu de Jambon
Engineer employed making the road, to S' Anns, was
buried. They continued their march to the Lake La
Brador the road running very irregular on account
of the meandering of the Creek that runs into the
Lake, the ground very deceitful for near the cross
they had a view of the Lake appearing not be above
a quarter of a qiile from them, when two long miles
from it. About 9 o'clock the party arrived at the Lake
which they found very sloppy and about 8 inches wa-
ter on the Ice — they were resolved notwithstanding to
* From which there is a fine view over the country for upwards of 7
miles S. £. The Party halted on the top & detached a serjcant & 4
Rangers on in the Front to choose a convenient spot for their Encamp-
ment which was about i mile & f — Course N. W, on the mountain close
to a creek & about 150 yards west of the road.
192 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
overcome that difficulty — as that arm of the lake was
little better than f of a mile across when they were
about half way over, an observation was taken to know
how the centre of that arm run, which was found to
bear W by South & E by West. They could not ob-
serve the W & S W shore though the weather was
very clear. Isle Rouge or Red Isle bore from the en-
trance on the Lake W by South about lo miles. The
opposite mountain appearing very steep. Our guide
with great care, cut through the Ice with his Toma-
hawk when we were near 3 parts over, being ex-
treamely rotten & the water increasing on its surface,
attended with small rain, when 'twas agreed by the
party that instead of marching up the Lake on the
North Side to retire to the South Side in order to se-
cure a safe retreat in case of a thorough thaw, which
was accordingly pursued fearing to wet their Bread.
After marching One mile they encamped on a side of
a rivulet which was quite open, as were all the mouths
of those that emptied themselves into the Lake. They
sounded with a Pole in some of the holes of the Ice
within 20 yards of the shore & found it about 10 feet
in depth and tis said continues gradually so to the
middle which is about 30 fathoms. About i o'clock
P M the guide — one Serjeant and two men were or-
dered up the Lake to a Point of land to form what ob-
servations they could in relation to the Ice in order to
make a northern Stretch if possible at Break of day.
The report on their return to the commanding officer
of the party was, that the Ice was covered with up-
wards of one foot of water, that several parts of the
Lake appeared to them to be open and as the weather
was open and seemed to be set in for rain, they
thought 'twas not probable that they should proceed
the next day.
31" The weather very open and a ground thaw, and
the Lake appearing in a manner open 'twas concluded
by the party to return to Louisbourg.
September 3. The Commander in Chief and the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 93
body of the Army quitted the Post below the Falls of
Montmorency and embarked in flat bottomed Boats
for the Post on Point de Long where they encamped,
during their passage there to the point of Orleans,
they were heavily fired. '
John Montrisors Scout in 1759. November 30*
{Acadia).
Arrived part of the Detachment — point Levi. 2
Sloops the 3"* not yet arrived — the 2""* Cap' Mili***
sent to to order the Inhabitants to assemble to mor-
row at the Church and take the Oaths and bring their
Arms &^ The Troops cantoned in the several Houses
about the Church.
December i" The Inhabitants were Examined and
those that had not sworn were made to take the Oaths
of Allegiance. The Captains of Militia were sent for.
The other sloop arrived with the remainder of the
Detachment
December 2"*^ Collecting together the Inhabitants
and swore them.
3"^ At 9 o'clock I set off with 1 2 Rangers and pro-
vided Quarters at Beaumont for the Troops orders
were given to the Captains of Militia to assemble the
Inhabitants before Eleven o'clock the next morning at
the Presbytere.
December 4* The Inhabitants all assembled this
morning at the Curates house and were sworn & Ex-
amined.
5* At 9 o'clock this morning I was detached with
12 Rangers & provided Quarters at S' Michel near
and at the Church orders were given to the Captains
of Militia to assemble the Inhabitants at head Quar-
ters before ten o'clock the next day.
6th The Inhabitants met and were Examined &
sworn.
7th Set out for S** Ch* and arrived there 9 from S*
Michels The Cap' Militia ordered to acquaint the In-
13
194 JOURNALS OF CAPT- JOHN MONTRESOR,
habitants to assemble the next day at the Church to
bring in their arms & to be examined & take the
Oaths as also the Acadian Families 55 heads 300. The
Town situated part of each side of the River Boyer —
13^ miles in length & 9 in depth including the Con-
cessions the 2 distant ones the Grants to the Acadians
from Madame Payan.
8th The Inhabitants came in & were sworn. Arms
9th. The Detachment marched to S* Michel the
Rangers forward brought the Arms from S' Ch* to
S' Michel and left them with the Captain of the Mi-
litia.
loth The Detachment marched from S' Michels to
S' Vallier and one Comp^ were sworn the same day &
orders sent to the other Cap' of Militia in the Depth*
to have his company ready at 1 2 o'clock the next day
in order to continue the Recensements, to the Church
— 5 Miles.
I i!*l The upper Comp^ Commanded by Coriveau
were sworn this day we marching to the 2^ Com-
mission.
1 2th Marched from S' Vallier to Bertier five Miles
the parish of S' Vallier ends at the Bridge about i way
& that of Bertier Commences there, the militia or-
dered to attend the next day.
13*** The Inhabitants were sworn & we set out for
S' Fran9ois mostly through the Woods then marched
till we arrived at the Junction of the Roads that to the
right li miles to the Church & to the left i^ miles to
the Cap' of militias house which is the last house of
the Parish the next S' Peters. The Inhabitants were
ordered to attend.
1759. ^4* Decemb''. The Inhabitants were sworn
this morning & in the afternoon marched to S' Peters
upon the South River, one league from the church at
S' Francis. The Inhabitants of S' Peters were ordered
to attend the next day to be sworn.
ic^ The Inhabitants were sworn.
JOURNALS OF CAPT, JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 95
16*^. The weather being bad (a show storm) pre-
vented our marching to S' Thomas.
17''' Mjirched with the Rangers and the advanced
guard to the Cap' of Militia s house and there swore
the 2 first Companys, the 3** which were all scattered
on account of their houses being burnt at point a la
Caille did not all meet : orders were left for him to
send in his Recensements to Quebec as soon as possi-
ble. The village of S' Thomas burnt only on the
River S' Laurent, that on the South River Entire : the
families in each house. And returned to S' Peters
the same day — 4^ miles there. Several of our men
frosted.
18"**. Set out from S' Peters the Detachment this
morning & arrived at Bertier.
19*** Set out the Detachment from Bertier and ar-
rived at S* Michel, several of our men frosted.
20*** Marched the Detachment from S' Michel wrote
to the Cap* of Militia & Curate of S' Crist' to send
Rolage & Rostage for that Parish. The party
marched this day to Point Levy. Found only three
canoes at the waters Edge, and no preparation for our
Return. Six were assembled for the next day.
[The Acadians of Nova Scotia in 1755 refusing
to take the oath of allegiance to England, it was re-
solved in Council to send them out of the Province.
Gov. Lawrence to Col. Monckton, July 31, 1755:
** As there may be a deal of difficulty in securing the
Inhabitants you will, to prevent this as much as pos-
sible, destroy all the villages the North & West side
of the Isthmus &c * * * and use every other
method to distress, as much as can be those who may
attempt to conceal themselves in the woods. But I
would have all care taken to save the stock & the
harvest upon the ground &c.'' Lawrence to Col.
Monckton, August 8 (1755) : *' That the Inhabitants
may not have it in their power to return to this Province,
nor to join in strengthening the French of Canada or
T96 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Louisbourg, it is resolved that they shall be dis-
persed among his Maj^* Colonies upon the Continent
of America/* The whole number estimated to be sent
away was 7,000. To go to North Carolina, 500 per-
sons ; to Virginia, 1,000 persons ; to Maryland, 500
or more ; Connecticut, 300 ; Philadelphia, 300 ; New
York, 200 ; Boston, 200 persons. To be shipped from
the port of Annapolis Royal, 1,000 persons. Many of
these people tried to work their way up the coast, in
open boats, from the South to Nova Scotia.]
V.
Journal of the Siege of Quebec. John Mon-
TRfSOR.
yune ^^ 1759' — The Fleet divided in 3 Squadrons
— Red — White and Blue. Sailed from Louisbourg
Harbour for the Expedition against Quebec, Admiral
Saunders with the Fleet, consisting of 9 Sail of the
Line and Frigates with Transports with the fol-
lowing troops on board — 15* 28'^ 48^** 43'** 35*** Era-
sers Highlanders, 2 Battalions Royal Americans, An-
struthers — Lascelles Companies of Rangers and 3
Companies of Artillery. The Fleet in case of a sepa-
ration to rendezvous at Gaspie. The Wind at West
and great number of the transports having been
obliged to anchor in the N East arm of the harbour
which prevented them from getting out at the time of
the Fleet. The weather very foggy. The Admiral
made his signals for making sail off the land.
. 5*. At 4 o'clock A M the Admiral made signals for
another tack towards the land in order to wait for the
remainder of the Fleet not yet joined, the weather
very foggy — the whole fleet. kept cruizing off the land
this day, that they might fall in with us.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 97
6* The weather very clear. We could plainly ob-
serve the remainder of the fleet off the harbour's
mouth making towards us, signals were given from
the Admiral for our fleet to lay too (when joined).
Signals were given for the fleet to make sail. Con-
cerning the Navigation of the Gulph of S' Lawrence.
7.^ — The weather very clear and the fleet very well
together, the whole steering for the Gulph of S' Law-
rence. About 10 o'clock a m we could observe Cape
Ray and the Island of Cape Breton at the same time
the fleet continued the whole day in sight of this Cape
and at 8 o'clock P M. The Admiral made a signal for
the fleet to make another tack in order to weather it
by sailing to the westward. This Cape upon its first
appearance resembled much like chalky cliffs on ac-
count of the snow laying on it. The Island of S* Pauls
in some Draughts is but just marked, in others not
taken notice of, no further than a Dot and the writing
signifying what it is, but 'tis very erroneous as it is a
large Island appearing East and West to be 30
miles in length, the land to the westward high and
falls off gradually to the Eastward to a remarkable
land. On the Island of S' Pauls 'tis said there is a
good harbour in it, where the English and French
used to rendezvous for trading with each other.
— 8th. The weather very clear and the fleet laying
their course steering with the Gulph. Took a view of
Cape Ray, very high land, at 1 2 o'clock and observed
one Island off North Cape, the Island S' Pauls appear-
ing to be about 3 miles in length the land not very
high—.
9th The weather very clear, the Fleet sailed to the
East of the Bird Islands in the morning when cleared,
the Eastward most Island resembled much the 2 faces
of a Regular Bastion, in the Evening observed Brion
Island Table land.
loth. The weather clear, the wind not fair, blowing
fresh the fleet laid their course and steering across the
Gulph.
198 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
II* The weather close and the wind pretty favour-
able the fleet very well together. About 10 o'clock in
the morning we made some high land that projects
near Flat Island, this point of land between Stock Fish
Bay and S' Peters Bay and observed the Bless Point
on the north side on entering Gaspie Bay. About 3
o'clock in the afternoon the Admiral made signals for
the white division (to go ahead) or sail forward.
About 6 o'clock observed Cape Rosiere, a point of
land that forms the Southern side of the mouth of the
River S' Lawrence. The Fleet steered for the River.
Sounded being about 5 leagues from the land. Depth
of water 80 Fathoms (Orphan's Bank) At Sunset the
wind blew fresh out of the river very strong which
took several of the vessels (a back) this Gale contin-
ued contrary all this night. We could observe the
Island of Anti costi bearing North from us. Con-
cerning the Navigation of the River S* Lawrence.
1 2th. The weather very clear, the Gale still continu-
ing the fleet scattered in the morning the greatest part
of the Fleet were within 3 leagues of the land to the
northward of Gaspie the land very high and white
resembling chalky cliffs but suppose it a white Clay.
In the evening the wind abated and the Fleet were
becalmed, a current setting East North East which
carried several vessels towards the Island of Anti costi
— wind East North East.
13^** The weather clear and the wind fair, signals
were given for the white squadron to go ahead led by
the Leostoff Frigate, at 1 1 o'clock this morning signals
were made for the Blue Squadron to follow led by the
Trent Frigate, steering for the River about mid chan-
nel between the Island of Anti costi and the S* Maiar.
The Fleet to the S. Eastward of the Entrance, Cur-
rent to the South Eastward.
14th. The weather clear and the wind very change-
able blowing over the high lands very fresh for two or
three hours and then calm, the fleet laying their course
Westerly, we could observe the land on both sides of
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 1 99
the River, that to the North side very craggy, irregu-
lar land, that on the South side very high being the
mountains of Notre Dame taken notice of in the
Charts. The Fleet above mid channel tried to sound
with 80 Fathoms Line. Found no Bottom.
1 5th The weather clear. The Fleet off of the moun-
tains of Notre Dame (which were covered on several
parts with drifts of snow) within about 4 leagues of the
Shore. No Bottom with 80 fathoms of fine. The
wind small and very changeable never continuing long
in the same quarter. We observed several vessels
having a fresh Breeze when others within a quarter of
mile have been becalmed, this circumstance is very
frequent, owing to the Eddies of the wind from off the
high lands. The course westerly that the fleet are
steering inclining mostly to the Southern Shore.
1 6th June 1759. The weather the greatest part of
this morning foggy. The whole fleet very well to-
gether. The wind having been moderate and the
water smooth. We arrived to the westward of the
Mountains of Notre Dame (which are seen at a great
distance) between them and the Pass of Matane. The
Fog clearing up, we observed both shores very plain,
that on the South side appearing to have a Saqdy
Beach for a great extent Several Sloops and Schoon-
ers sailed within 2 leagues of the shore. Our tacks
this afternoon very frequent making but short trips
each tack though the Distance between each shore
appeared to be near twelve Leagues.
17*** The weather clear but little wind, those con-
trary, obliged to trip it from shore to shore keeping
the Southerly shore (mostly on board) the fleet very
well together. Sounded but found no bottom. Threw
out 100 fathoms of Line. We observed many seals. —
1 8th The weather clear and the winds small and
contrary. The fleet were obliged to tack from shore
to shore, as the day before (for this whole morning).
Found no Bottom. Observed an Island some little dis-
tance from the main (which was Isle du Bic.) The
200 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
white Division being nigher the Southern shore di-
rected their course for the Island as the Passage up
the River is on that shore. Between L'Isle du Bic and
the South main Signals were made by the Trent (Com-
modore of the Blue Squadron) to rest anchor which
was in ID Fathoms and ^ water. The Wind quite
favourable and blowing fresh. The circumstance of
our landing was very fortunate, as the wind blew very
fresh this night attended with a fog as that scarce any
of the fleet could be observed and a great fall of rain.
The land on the South shore very mountainous and
Romantic forming in some parts a kind of Table land,
its appearance was very green. The Trees seemed to
be of Birch — Beach and Firr.
19*** June — 1759. The weather hazy and the wind
favourable blowing fresh. At 5 o'clock this morning
signals were given for the Fleet to weigh anchor. The
wind encreasing attended with a thick fog and rain.
Signals were made for the fleet to cast anchor at 6,
which was in 1 1 Fathoms and \ depth of water, still
within the Isle du Bic much better anchorage than the
former not being so much exposed to the winds. The
bottom a dark soft loam intermixed with pieces of shells.
Remark — Observed a large shoal of seals. At 6
o'clk this afternoon, signals were made for the Blue
Squadron to weigh the weather clear and moderate
and the wind fair. The i*' or white Division having
already sailed before us. The wind blowing very
fresh this morning, one of the Transports ran foul of
one of the Fire Ships and carried away her Bowsprit,
she was immediately assisted by the Oxford, one of
the Ships of the Line, that was near her. At half an
hour after 10 at night, Signals were made for the Fleet
to Anchor which was in 18 Fathoms, after having
sailed about two leagues, and a half from our last an-
chorage.
20'**. At 2 o'ck this morning the weather clear. Sig-
nals were made for weighing of anchor from the Com-
modore of the Blue Squadron, A fair wind, carrying
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 20I
US about 3 knots or one league an hour. Keeping
nearer the Northern than the Southern Shore,
the land very mountainous. At i o'clock in the
afternoon signals were made for the Blue Squad-
ron to anchor which was in 13 Fathoms of water.
Sounded near the northern shore found it near 30
Fathoms — the Blue Squadron made off from that
shore towards the Southern about Mid Channel
which was in 13 Fathoms, leaving the White Squad-
ron at anchor nigher the Northern shore within about
3i leagues of it. Remark (observed great numbers
of the White Whales and many seals.) the fleet
anchored as the Wind headed and the tide of Ebb
beginning to run out which at its highest ran 5^ knots
or miles (the Log was heaved on purpose). Observed
a fall of water appearing very white & some height on
the mountains between Scaffold Basque and the Bay
of Rocks. At 7 o'clock this afternoon the Commodore
of the white Squadron made signals for that Division
to weigh their anchors, the Tide of the Flood making,
the wind contrary. The, Blue Division remained at
anchor and the red which were as far astern as we
could descern. The white Division sailed for about 2
leagues from us and about 10 o'clock the Commodore
of the white squadron made signals for his Division to
cast anchor.
On the South main between Green Island and Apple
Island we could observe some houses situated near
the River side.
21**. The weather clear, the wind foul, the tide of
Flood making. At 7 o'clock this morning, signals
were made by the Commodore of the White Squadron
for his Division to weigh anchor. At 9 o'clock this
morning signals were made by the Commodore of the
Blue Squadron for his Division to weigh Anchor. Many
of our Squadron could scarce stem the current and
were obliged to bear away before the wind for some
time in order to clear it, it setting to the Northward
they were in a line with the Spit a shoal from White
202 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Island being in 4 Fathoms & f depth of water. At ^
an hour after i this afternoon Signals were made by
the Commodore of the Blue Squadron for his Division
to cast anchor, which was in 13 Fathoms at low water
the tide having about 8 feet. This tide of Ebb was
nothing like so rapid as that of the last anchorage.
At low water we observed 2 small Islands that appeared
abreast of us near to the S. main. At ^ past 10 this
night 3 guns were fired from i of the Transports that
struck the shoal off of White Island then bearing about
W. S. W from her. We anchored (abreast) of Hare
Island near the Small Islands to the North Eastermost
of it.
22°** The weather clear, the wind foul, the tide of
Flood making at ^ an hour after 9 o'clock. This
morning, Signals were made from the Commodore of
the Blue Squadron for his Division to weigh their
anchors. Sounded frequently along Hare Island within
about a league of it found the depth of water to be
mostly II and 13 Fathoms. There is a long ledge or
Spit that runs S. S. W from Hare Island four miles
with some shrubs growing on it not inserted in Jeffries
Chart of the river S' Lawrence. When the Ebb
began to make, the wind began to turn favourable and
the Blue Division continued sailing as the wind blew
fresh enough for the fleet to stem the Tide. We could
observe some of the Red Division appearing (astern).
The Hunter Sloop of War past through our Division
to the White Division (which) at i an hour after 6
this afternoon weighed anchor. Signals being made
from our Commodore of the White Division for that
purpose. We passed by the Pilgrims which are 4
separate barren rocky Islands uninhabited, about 7
miles in length, on the South Main. I observed sev-
eral houses particularly behind the Islands of Kam-
uraska appearing like a village. A Fresh Breeze and
favourable, the fleet running 6 knots. At 9 o'clock
this night signals were made by the Commodore of
the Blue division to anchor, near the Northern Shore
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 2O3
abreast of the Northwesternmost part at the east
Island of Kamuraska. The Islands of Kamuraska
appear like 5 separate Islands, 3 highlands and 2
lowland covered with wood the lands behind it (at the
S main) seems to form a kind of Bay. I observed
two of the Fleet (Transports) run very close to them.
Vessels of three or four hundred ton.
23'*^ The weather clear. At 3 o'clock this morning
signals were made by the Commodore of the Blue
Squadron for his Division to weigh their anchors, the
wind springing up favourable. Kept the northern
Shore. We observed a small village on it. At 2 this
afternoon signals were made by the Commodore of
the Blue Squadron for his Division to anchor, which
was in 30 Fathoms. The Tide of Ebb running very
strong, insomuch that several vessels dragged their
anchors and were obliged to hoist sail as the wind was
favourable for them in order to stem it. At 9 o'clock
the wind sprang up contrary, so the fleet remained at
anchor this night. The tide of Ebb ran 6 knots & ^.
Our anchorage was about 2 leagues N N. E of the
Isle aux Coudres which is placed in the Charts too far
to the Westward of Goose Cape. I could observe
several settlements on the Island which are it is said
belonging to Pilots who live on it ; these Pilots only
Pilot vessels to and from Quebec from that Island. As
it is a rule with the Inhabitants of Quebec not to let
any Pilots have the whole navigation of this river.
The land on the Northern Main is extremely high,
much more so than the Southern Main & the Shore in
General bolder particularly after leaving the " Pilgrims."
There is a settlement of about 4 or 5 houses upon one
of the Mountains near Goose Cape the plantations
seems but new as there is great quantities of Timber
lying on it. On the South Main I could observe sev-
eral plantations very contiguous with several houses
together & a Church or Chapel with a Spire — S' Ann's.
Remark — That a vessel of the Blue Division missing
the Fleet sailed on the South side of the Isle aux
204 JOURNALS OF CAPT, JOHN MONTRESOR-
Coudre and returned she having been three leagues
up.
24* — The weather clear, the wind contrary. The
Blue Division remained at anchor this morning's tide
of Flood. Joined our Division. Admiral Saunders
on board the Hinde Frigate where his Flag was
hoisted. The tide of Ebb ran at such a rate we being
in 30 Fathoms of water which obliged our whole Di-
vision to drag their anchors — the wind being fresh and
contrary. The Commanders of the Artillery's Trans-
port was obliged to make sail and drive down to the
Red Division. At one o'clock this afternoon the Hinde
with Admiral Saunders on board weighed and got un-
der sail. At half after one p M Signals were made by
the Commodore of the Blue Squadron for his Divi-
sion to weigh, the wind foul — the tide of flood making.
The fleet steering to the North of Isle aux Coudres
between it and the North main. On the north main
there are several Plantations on a Cliff". On entering
they are to be seen and steered for till the vessel is
within a mile of that shore then steer towards the
Creek where the Whirlpool keeping the Northern
shore (aboard) as there is a great Spit from the Isl-
and, entering the Channel. After the Spit is cleared
by steering towards the Island, you gain very good
anchorage in 7, 8 and 10 fathoms of water, a muddy
bottom. But should a vessel have a leading Breeze
and the tide favourable the Course is to be continued
towards the Creek steering W by South to clear an-
other ledge of Rocks which 2 ledges forms a head of Bay
and breaks the Strength of the tides which run between
6 & 7 knots. At 7 o'clock this afternoon Signals were
made by the Commodore of the Blue Squadron for
his Division to anchor, where we found at anchor Ad-
miral Durell with 6 ships of the Line including the
Sutherland who arrived there with the Fleet May 27'.**
1759. The weather very close & sultry, several ma-
rines & sailors on shore. At ^ after 7 Admiral Saun-
ders hoisted his flag on board the Stirling Castle.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 205
We learnt here that Major Gen* Wolf had proceeded
in the Richmond towards the Island of Orleans \yhere
he would find 3 Ships of the Line.
25^ June 1759. At eleven o'clock this morning the
weather clear, Signals were made on board of the
Sterling Castle, Admiral Saunders to weigh, at \ past
1 1 Signals were made by the Commodore of the Blue
Squadron for his division to weigh. The Breeze
light but free. The Ships that led this Division
through the Channel were the Alcide — Sutherland —
and Stirling Castle. One boat with a French Flag
was posted on the Reef or Ledge of Rocks that pro-
jects from the Island. The White Division weighed
at 3 o'clock this morning. The Red Division very
close to our rear. This Day one of the Transports
struck on the north side of the i** Ledge of Rocks on
entring the passage of Isle aux Coudres. Boats were
sent from the Ships of War to unload her and assist
her in getting off. At \ past 5 p M, signals were
made by the Sterling Castle for the Fleet to anchor,
answered by the Trent for her Division and also by the
Diana on board of which ship was hoisted a red Broad
Pennant, Commanding that Division. Sounded, com-
ing out of the Isle aux Coudres one mile parallel to
the Shore — Depth of Water 8 Fathoms. The village
at the bottom of S' Paul's Bay, as the weather was
clear was observed, it is a straggling settlement of
about 20 houses with a Church and a good deal of
Ground cleared, with many Cattle grazing thereon, it
is an extensive Bay with a Beach at the Bottom. Our
fleet sailed from within the Island in the beginning of
the tide and a gentle breeze at various times. The
winds very light and I could not find any one vessel
Draughted nigh the Shore notwithstanding the several
Draughts or Charts of the River S* Lawrence express-
ing that circumstance that it must require a leading
Gale to pass through. Anchorage 14 Fathoms.
Our anchorage was about two miles from the shore.
The land Extremely high and Steep.
206 JOURNALS OF CAPT- JOHN MONTRESOR.
26* The weather clear — the tide of flood making
— the wind foul. At 4 this morning signals were
made by the Sterling Castle and answered by the
Trent for the Fleet to weigh, the wind blowing fresh
& contrary. Signals were made for the Fleet to an-
chor— Depth of water — 14 Fathoms. Orders were
received on board the Ordnance Transports to follow
the Genoa Packet, after having sailed within 2
leagues of the Traverse. At 3 p m Signals were
made by the Sterling Castle and answered by the
Trent for the Fleet to weigh. The Blue Division
passed through the Traverse. Boats were appoint-
ed with Red Flags & white ones to guide the Fleet —
Directions to keep the Red Flags on the Starboard
and the white ones on the Larboard sides. In sail-
ing through the ** Traverse," (observation). The
Last high Mountain belonging to the Range that forms
the River joining to Cape Torment Meadows being cir-
cular on the Top. To steer from the Center of that to
the westwardmost point of Isle aux Rots. The division
when passing through the Traverse had the wind quite
contrary and were obliged to make several Tacks within
it Passed the Devonshire Ship of the Line at anchor
at the end of the " Traverse " near Isle aux Rots.
27* The weather clear and the wind fair. At —
o'clock this morning signals were made for the Blue
division to weigh their anchors. At 6 Am the division
came to an anchor near the white division already at
anchor. Depth of water 14 Fathoms, within a mile
& i of the Island of Orleans Shore. The white divi-
sion on board of which was the Brigade, Com-
manded by Brigadier General Moncton — landed this
morning on the Island. The Troops were landed in
Flat bottom Boats provided for that purpose, i"
Disembarkation consisting of the following Troops.
At 2 pm as the fleet lay at anchor in this road, the
wind (which was upon the . East quarter) rose with
great violence together with a great swell which occa-
sioned almost all the F'leet to drive from their anchor-
•JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 207
age and running foul of one another that from 2 o'clock
till between 5 & 6 there was nothing but cutting of
cables — ships running one against the other, others
driving and bearing away before the wind in order to
run aground on the Island of Orleans if possible
which several Ships were obliged to do.
30**" At break of day this morning the remainder of
Gen^ Monckton's Brigade disembarked on the South-
ern shore opposite to head Quarters on the Island of
Orleans. On their landing the Irregulars took 2
Scalps, killed 3 other men & took 3 Prisoners which
were brought over to Major Gen^ Wolfe and were ex-
amined ; they were two Frenchmen and one Canadian
from Isle du Bic for Quebec. At 6 AM the Chief En-
gineer with 2 other Engineers proceeded on a recon-
noitering Party of 35 Rangers — one Captain and 6
men of the Light Infantry by Order of the Commander
in Chief to the W. S. Western most part of the Isl-
and. The Detachment proceeded on their march and
arrived at Point de Levy this night (with one E. En-
gineer and one Assistant) where they met very little
opposition. This day on the Commander in Chiefs go-
ing over to Point de Levy the Enemy from their
Floating Battery and their Boats in which they have
in their Bows one Gun, fired on him which prevented
his passage over, on which they gave several cheers
during which time one of the Frigates, weighing and
turning up towards them they retired with great pre-
cipitation. Their floating Battery appearing to be an
oblong stage with 4 Embrasures and a great Flag, the
Enemy by the appearance they make seem to have
made — seem to have 60 or 70 whale Boats — On the
Cot^ de Bienport there are several Encampments
fronting the Bason between the falls of Montmorency
& Charles River.
July i" 1759. Marched from their i" Encampment
on the Island to the Point, the following Regiments —
Bragg s — Lascelles — Anstruthers — Commanded by
Brig General Townshend with their Camp Equipage
I
208 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
& four days provision each man being provided with
either spade or Pickax — they had not proceeded above
one mile from their Ground before the Rear of An-
struther s Reg' were fired on by a party of Indians
who discharged 6 shot & wounded 3 men. On which
the rear guard of Rangers consisting of 40 men com-
manded by Major Scott detached a party of One Ser-
geant & 6 men into the woods after the Enemy. The
whole Detachment' halted for upwards of an hour in
which time were detached from there, One officer &
20 men of the Regular troops into the woods, on their
return the Detachment Continued their march. Major
General Wolfe with the Chief Engineer went by water
to Point Levi and returned the same day to Point
d'orleans. On the arrival of the Army to their Ground
there had been 2 Grenadiers of Brig' General Whit-
more's just scalped by a small party of Indians. There
were several Boats with one Gun in their bows drawn
up against Point de Levi where our Troops were en-
camped which Boats for one hour kept a constant fire
and killed 4 or 5 of our men but when our Frigates
weighed and fired on them they immediately retired.
This night were detached from the Point of the Island,
to Point Levi, Company of Light Infantry. Monck-
ton took possession of Point Levi.
2"*^ July. A working Party consisting of 300 ordered
to cut Fascines and Pickets. As the detachment from
3 of the Regiments had brought no other tools, than
Pick axes and Shovels, having one Tool per man al-
lotted them, they were dismissed Except the detach-
ment from the Royal Americans who were provided
with Tomahawks. At 7. o'clock this morning was
laid and begun on the Post on the Point being a
kind of FMche, with a Ditch before it, constructed
with Fascines being capable of containing 4 or 500
men, thesaliant looking towards the field and the Rear
fortified by nature being an inaccessible height Were
landed on the Point of the Island Brass Artillery of
different Calibres & some 8 inch shells.
JOURNALS OF CAPT- JOHN MONTRESOR- 20g
;"*. The working party consisting of 1 50 pioneers &
200 Fascine cutters were employed — the Pioneers em-
ployed in the Ditch of the FMche. This afternoon at
3 o'clock marched into Camp from the old Camp
at the Landing, Otway's Battalion. Monckton's Royal
Americans brought in 12 or 14 French Prisoners. Ar-
rived this day Head of Cattle from the old En-
campment,
— 7^ = Our Frigates fired on the Enemys floating
Battery and obliged it to retire, in the night the
Enemy brought out several Boats with a Gun in each
bow & fired on our FVigates which was returned by
the Battery on Point Levi. The Enemy fired several
Shots from their Battery's on the shore which began the
fire but too far one from the other. The Bomb Ketches
returned who were chiefly with the Porcupine and
Richmond in the Fire on the Floating Battery. Or-
ders this afternoon for the 47^** 28* and i*' Battalions
Royal Americans to hold themselves in readiness to
embark for the landing on the north Main, also the 3
Companies of Grenadiers commanded by Lieu* Colonel
Murray and the Light Infantry.
8*** The bombs fired on the Enemy's 3 Encamp-
ments near the Falls of Montmorency, with little
effect as most of the fires were short & the distance
great. The Richmond Frigate fired on their Encamp-
ment. Admiral Holmes in the Captain and Suther-
land fired several shot &*". This day the Light In-
fantry returned from Point Levi to Point d'Orleans,
for to embark with the 2^ Brigade in the Flat Bottomed
Boats for the Landing. At 3 p m the Flat boats went
round to the North Side of Point d'Orleans in order
to receive the troops for the landing under Protection
of the 2 Frigates that fell down below the Falls at
Ebb tide for that purpose and to cover the landing.
Landed and Encamped near the Point a detachment of
Durowes Regiment from on board one of the Ships of
war under the command of Major Hardy.
9^**. This morning the Enemy struck their encamp-
14
2IO JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ment near the Falls of Montmorency. General Wolfe
with the following troops viz' — Embarked from the
North side of the Isle of Orleans to the North Main
below the Falls of Montmorency, without any opposi-
tion at 2 o'clock this morning and encamped near the
Falls. The Frigates Sutherland and Captain fired
several shot at a great distance on the Enemies En-
trenchments. A detachment from Otway's — An-
struthers — and from the Detachment from the shipping
are employed in completing the post and Continuing
the Abatis. This evening 6 Howitzers were sent from
the Island over to General Wolfes. About lo o'clock
this night a 13 inch Mortar played on our shipping on
which the *' Captain " Admiral Holmes and the rest of
the Fleet retired. The Captain ran aground on the
Point of the Island of Orleans but got off and the
Richmond very near it. The town kept most of this
Day, a heavy fire on our Batteries Constructing to the
South of Point Levi nigher Quebec. This night or-
ders were given by Brig' Gen* Murray, Commanding
officer on the Island of Orleans for Ottway's and An-
struther's to hold themselves in readiness to march to
the water side, there to embark with him to join Gen-
eral Wolfe to leave all their baggage behind & an
officer from each Corps to remain to see it embarked
from off the point of Orleans to the N. main. Gen*
Wolfe began a Redoubt for 300 men near the Falls. —
ID* July 1759 On the Shipping retiring the Enemy
returned to their former Encampment Great part of
the day the Enemy kept a constant cannonading from
the town on our works constructing under the command
of Brig' Gen* Monckton. Provisions were landed from
the shipping in flat bottomed Boats in the North main.
11^ The Enemy from the North Main Bombarded
the Encampment on the Point of the Island of Orleans.
This day a Battery of 2 twenty four Pounders was
laid out and begun on the Point of the Island of
Orleans to command the North Channel and to pre-
sent Boats manned and armed from the Enemie's
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOK. 211
attacking ours. This day a heavy fire from the Town
on the Troops at the S Main. Major General Wolfe
arrived this day at Point d' Orleans where he ordered
an Engineer to make him a Sketch of the Enemies
Works, settlements and Encampments (as well as pos-
sible considering the great distance being near 3 miles
from the Island) from the Fall of Montmorency to the
Skirts of the wood above the third Encampment.
1 2^** The working party completed the Redoubt near
the Falls and begun on one in the Rear of the En-
campment above the Precipice fronting the River
Charles. Party employed in dragging the Cannon
from the water side up the Cliffs to the Park. This
night at 9 o'clock the Brigade under Brig^ Gen* Monck-
ton opened a Mortar battery of 13 Mortars and con-
tinued playing on the Town the whole night which was
answered by the Town. This night one of our out
centries shot the Serjeant of his Guard in a mistake.
1 3'** This morning we observed that the Enemy had
constructed a Battery with 4 Embrasures on the
opposite side of the River Montmorency fronting our
Encampment and greatly commanding it. Orders
were given that the Breastworks that were constructed
round* the several Barns and Posts made of Fence rails
piled up to be strengthened by throwing earth against
forming a kind of Glacis. The watering party paraded
at Break of day 150 men to compleat the small redoubt
of 40 feet square — 250 cutting fascines. This afternoon
6 royal Howitzers played against the Enemies Battery
on the opposite side of River Montmorency with very
good effect — the distance about 500 yards — the rain
coming on they were drawn off during their firing on
the Battery a number of Indians & Canadians kept a
fire on the artillery but on traversing a 24 Pounder
with Grape shot and firing in the midst of them they
retired. The 6 Howitzers were supported with two
24 pounders and 100 men being advanced on a Hill
along the River about four hundred and fifty yards
from our Camp.
212 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
14* Our working party were employed this day on a
6 Gun Battery facing the Enemy's Battery on the op-
posite of the river. In making fascines &^ one third
of the Army always employed and relieved every 4
hours— Four men wounded this morning on the Bat-
tery. This day the French Boats about 6 in number,
with one Gun in each Bow came out from under one
of their redoubts near the water side, in order to attack
2 or 3 Boats of ours that were there. This day the
Commander in Chief with the Quarter Master General
and an Engineer escorted by a party of the Light In-
fantry Commanded by Col Howe went reconnoitering
up the River Montmorency in order to find a passage
over, either by fording or otherwise. The river for i^
miles thoroughly examined considering the fire the
Indians kept up on them found a place that seemed
by the stillness of the water (that part of the river
forming a small kind of Bason about 70 feet) and a
road leading to it and the appearance of one on the
opposite side to have been a ferryage, and another
place lower about 150 yards that had an appearance
of being a ford (the water very rapid). The Banks
very steep and covered on both sides with trees and
great quantity of underwood.
1 5* This night 4 companys of Grenadiers under the
command of Major Norris were ordered and proceeded
from this Encampment to the Point of the Island of
Orleans. This day the park of Artillery was formed
within the redoubts on the left of the Encampment.
16* ^u/y 1759. This day the Grenadiers of the Line
received orders to hold themselves in readiness to em-
bark in the Flat, bottomed Boats. These orders coun-
termanded. Was laid out this day — two redoubts, one
forming the chain between the Great & Small Redoubts,
the other commanding the Bank on which the two
small Batteries were constructed fronting the Beach
above Montmorency. Compleated two Batterys on
the Declivity of the Cliff, 4 guns scouring the Beach
towards the Enemy and one the water. This night
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR- 2I3
7 Royal Howitzers and one Mortar played upon
the Enemy's Encampment concealed behind the Hill
in which their principal Breastworks are made that
front the Beach (marked in the Sketch i" Encamp-
ment). This morning between ii and 12 o'clock part
of the Town of Quebec was set on fire by a shell from
our Batteries on Point Peres which continued in flames
till II o'clock at night. A very heavy fire from the
Town on our Batteries the whole day, during which
time we now and then threw a few shells in. This
night the Sutherland 50 Gun Ship was ordered to sail
up from her anchorage above the Town but did not
proceed.
17*. Our working parties employed in making
Fascines, completing the Centre Continuing on the re-
doubts on the Cliff, hauling of Guns and bringing
Stores to the artillery Park — removing of the Pro-
visions. This morning about half past 5 when the
Covering party of the Fascine Cutters were posting
their Gentries they were fired on by a body of Indiails
who killed and wounded 10 of our men, they scalped
4 and made off without any loss — the moment they
fired one whole Regiment ran into the woods after
them, some with arms, others with their Tomahawks,
but could not catch them. The Indians were obliged
to leave behind some of their Blankets and Toma-
hawks &*". This morning came in a Deserter from
the opposite side of the River Montmorency who
met the above Indians with the Scalps crossing over
the Ford of the River towards the French, one league
up.
18*. The working party from the Woods for frais-
ing the Great Redoubt at the foot of its Glacis. The
French Boats fired on our Boats passing & repassing
from the Shipping to Mpntmorency Encampment, but
were repulsed by the Batteries both from the Encamp-
ment and that of the Point of Orleans. This night
one Fifty Gun Ship and 3 frigates sailed above the
Town. One Frigate keeping one shore too close on
214 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
board stuck fast between Point Levi & Pons [ ]
&^
I9'\ The working people employed as usual in mak-
ing Fascines & pickets, Hauling up of artillery & Stores
and landing of Provisions.
20*\ This morning a body of the Enemy fired on
our working party as they were getting Pickets to
finish the fraising of the Great redoubt but ceased on
our firing some cannon at them. The Commander in
Chief arrived at the Camp Montmorency and returned
immediately to Point Levi taking with him one Engin-
eer. This night a party of 250 men began to work on
the Redans in the front of the Encampment, about 200
yards. This night about 10 o'clock, all the Grenadiers
consisting of 9 companies were ordered to embark
from this Camp for the Island of Orleans Point.
21". Several Mortars &*" were removed from the
Artillery Park down to the water side to be embarked.
A Party ordered out to cut Fascines. Arrived in this
Camp from the Point of the Island of Orleans the
Detachment of Duroure's consisting of — and an-
other of Cornwallis. This morning at break of day
Lawrence's Battalion of the Royal Americans and a
party of Highlanders under the Command of — landed
about 20 miles above the Town and on the same side.
22"**. Arrived the Commander in Chief this evening
from Point Levi. Our working party employed in mak-
ing Fascines. At 1 1 o'clock this night began the Fire
in the Town which seemed to blaze very much owing
to our Bombardment which consumed several buildings
amongst the rest the Parish Church.
23'"*. Went from this Camp the Commander in Chief,
Brig' Gen* Murray, the Chief Engineer and that Corps,
leaving one Engineer in order to carry on the Repara-
tion of the work, such as Fraising the small Redoubt
& fraising & widening the Ditch of the Fortified house.
This morning early till 6 o'clock the fire in the Town
continued to rage very much & were closely plied with
shells during the time from our Batteries at Point Peres.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 21 5
Returned this night the Comm'' in chief— Brigadier
Murray. This night opened a Battery of 32 Pounders.
Richochet from Point Peres against the Town.
25'** July 1759. Fired on the French largest En-
campment. They reserved the same. Party em-
ployed in cutting Fascines. Built a new Battery front-
ing the Enemies works.
26*. Begun on the Center Redoubt and Praising
the right redoubt, at Break of day this morning went
out General Wolfe and Brigadier Murray with his Di-
visions that of Otway's, and the Light Infantry with
General Wolfe, Briggs with Brigad' Murray. Re-
turned into Camp this evening General Otway's Regi-
ment.
27^. Was detached this morning from this Camp
Gen^ Lascelle's Regiment to reinforce Bragg's that had
surrounded the village of L'Ange Guardien about 3
miles below our Encampment. The Enemy retired-
into the woods and the 28^^ Received orders to follow
them during their march into the woods — the Enemy
consisted of about 150 men Canadians and Indians.
Fired 2 rounds on them the Regiment rushed on and
took 4 prisoners, our loss was 2 killed and 6 wounded.
Orders were sent from General Wolfe not to destroy
the village or Church. Bragg s & Lascelle's returned
this afternoon into Camp with about 38 head of Cattle
besides upwards of 100 Sheep and 40 horses. This
night about 12 o'clock the Enemy sent a large Fire
raft from the Town taking the advantage of the west-
erly wind and the tide of Ebb which when observed
by our ships of war was immediately towed off.
28'*'. Opened our Battery of Six 32 pounders on
Point Island.
29'*'. Orders were given out for the 13 Companies of
Grenadiers under the Command of Colonel Burton to
embark on the morrow from Point d' Orleans in boats,
and to attack the upper Redoubt on the water's edge
between the Falls and Beauport and to be supported
by two Companies of Royal Americans — Monckton's
2l6 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Battalion and the Army at Montmorency Camp at
General Townshend's discretions to cross the Ford
below the Falls. Two Engineers for that service.
Orders this day for another Redout to be marked out
in the Camp to strengthen our Chain. Strong can-
nonading from our Batteries on Island Point Peres.
30*. The Redoubt began on. The working party
employed on that service.
September ^ 1759- Returned Captain Hazen's corps
from a Scout to Joichim, about 30 miles down the
River.
5***. Returned the 35* Regiment and Light Infantry
from a Scout to the village about 3 miles from our En-
campment called L'ange Gardien and brought in four
Prisoners. This Evening was detached two companies
under the Command of Goram and Hazen on a scout
towards the village of S' Pauls, near the Isle au Cou-
dre.
8*. The General went out reconnoitering up the
river: his Escort about twenty men. Eight p. m. at
night the Town on Fire.
9*. The Fire, still remains kindled.
September 13*. The General Battle on the Heights
of Abraham and the enemy defeated and totally routed
and the fourth day after Quebec capitulated to us.
Ships of War — Louisbourg — ^June 4* 1759 for
Convoy.
I*in«.
Neptune-Vice Royal William Dublin-Rear
admiral admiral
Shrewsbury Oxford Northumber-
land
Bedford Prince Frederick Medway
Terrible and Somerset — for Halifax
Frigates.
Diana Lizard Trent
Hind Leostaff Hunter
Nightingale Frigate left at anchor in Louisbourg
Harbour.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 217
List of thte Fleet in the River S* Lawrence under
the Command of Admiral Durell — June 4* 1759.
Line.
Princess Amelia Pembroke Devonshire — Alcide
Prince of Orange Vanguard Sterling Castle.
Major General Wolfe — Brig'' General Townshend.
Brigadier General Monckton — Brig' Gen* Murray.
List of Troops under the Command of Major Gen*
Wolfe for the Expedition against Quebec June 4* —
1759-
Royal Reg' of Artillery 3 companies-300 — 15* Am-
herst's.
35* Otway's — 28* Braggs — 43'** Kenneday's — 47***
Lascelle's.
48* Webb's — 60* Battalion Royal Americans.
58* Anstruther's — Eraser's Highlanders.
[Another account of the operations at Quebec^ in a
series of letters^ written by John Montresor to his
father y CoL Jaines MontresorJ]
Montmorency August 10* 1759.
Dear Father
Enclosed I send you an epistolary Journal with
what I thought most essential in it, which was what
publick occurrences happened, and arrived to my
knowledge in this Camp. As to what passes at Point
Levi or Orleans is very insignificant as they are well
fortified and in a manner in a state of retirement
Ever since we first arrived here I have lived with the
Commander in Chief as he was so kind himself, as to
give me a general invitation more than once and am
the only Engineer with him, or rather encamped here.
He has honoured me, with acquainting me if I wanted
any Assistant Engineer, he would order them over to
me, I told him unless he had more works than were
on foot now, it was no more than mere pleasure to me.
2l8 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
I fancy after our last coup, our time will be long here,
for we had many wounded, amongst the rest Green
and Williamson. I suppose the next stroke will be at
the town, by what I can learn, for every body is in
spirits and ready to retrieve our tother days peregrin-
ation : to gain the Summit of the Bank intended, with
Expedition would have required very good troops,
even had they none to oppose them. This Day the
Canadian's manifest will be expired which was pla-
carded in all their Churches and communicated to them
by several means signifying that if they did not join
their settlements by this Day, & Continued taking
arms against his Brittanic Majesty, he would destroy
all their Plantations without exception but if they would
return they might enjoy their privileges of Religion
and Right &*" as before. It seems Monsieur Vaudriel
has assured them we dare not do it. To morrow the
General will give directions accordingly, which desola-
tion will afford us no small diversion to our Soldiery
who are all in charming health. M' Keller and the
rest of our Corps are all encamped at Point de Levi —
Green has leave to go home from General Wolfe and
I believe will go home in some of the first ships. Bob
Haswell i^ in the Northumberland, desires his Love to
you. Our shipping are to the full as numerous as the
Campaign before and by what I can see, we have about
as much to expect from them. We have received no
account as yet from Major General Amhersts, by what
we can learn from Deserters they have cut off our
intelligence. Two Officers and two Indians who were
Ird into a snare by two other French Indians. I hear
YOU are to remain with the Command of i^oo men to
c\M>struct a stone fort where the Lines were, near Fort
William Henry. God send you safe back. N. B.
rhi>i is the country where nothing was to be got to
^t. What Tve to say is that it's one of the first coun-
«vio>i I ever saw in my Life— greatest plenty of Grain.
\ <x\\\ dear V\ither your most dutiful Son
John Montresor.
journals of capt. john montresor. 2i9
Camp near the Falls of Montmorency
August 10* T759.
Sir .... After an easy passage up this River of above
14 days the whole fleet arrived safe at anchor near
the Parish of S* Laurent on the Isl** of Orleans ; and
on the 2y^ of June the Rangers Light Infantry, and
the first Brigade under the Command of Brig' Gen-
eral Monckton landed at 6 o'clock in the morning
without the least opposition in flat Bottomed Boats
provided for that purpose, each containing 7 1 men be-
sides the rowers. At 2 pm the fleet drove from their
anchors, the anchorage ground being slaty and the
wind very high at East, several vessels lost their
masts &*", and were greatly disabled lost all their whale
Boats — that were lashed on their quarters, several of
the ship's Boats & some Flat bottomed Boats, several
vessels cut their cables and ran on the Island of Or-
leans. On the 30* crossed over in Boats to the South-
ern Shore Brig' Gen' Monckton's Brigade in order to
take possession of Point de Levi which is one league
from the town of Quebec. This was executed with
little or no loss. The 3 Companies of Grenadiers
from Louisbourg and some light Infantry under the
command of Co' Carleton took post on a rising ground
about one mile this side of the West South Westward-
most point of the Island of Orleans.
yuly the I**. Marched from the Encampment of S^
Laurent the following Regiments — Bragg's — Lascelle's
— Anstruthers — Monckton's and 40 Rangers — the
whole under the Command of Brig' General Town-
shend to join the body under the Command of Col
Carleto^i. On the 2"** we marched out and began con-
structing a strong post on the Point, the rear being
one entire Precipice, capable of containing near 500
men & this day was landed Artillery of several natures
& some stores.
3«* yuly. Arrived from the Encampment of S* Lau-
rent the 35^** Regiment and Moncktons Battalion under
220 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the Command of Brig' Gen^ Murray and j'oined the
main Body.
7^ July, Our Frigates fired on the Enemies works
on the North Beach towards the Falls of Montmorency
which was returned as also by the Enemies floating
Batteries.
8* July. The Bomb Ketches fired several shot and
threw many shells, the fuses short and the distance
great. The light Infantry returned from Point Levi
to the Point of Orleans for to embark with the second
Brigade under the Command of Brig' Gen^ Town-
shend.
9* July. At 2 o'clock am the above Brigade, y* 3
Companies of the Louisbourg Grenadiers Light In-
fantry and Rangers Embarked from the North Side of
the Island of Orleans and landed with very little op-
position on the North Main close to the Falls of Mont-
morency. The Batteries from the Town played most
of this day on our Works constructing at Point P^re,
the nearest land to the Town from the South Side. At
ID pm one 13 inch mortar threw a shell at our Ship-
ping at Anchor, near the northern shore, they imme-
diately weighed their anchors, some slipped and j'oined
the Fleet. This night orders were given for Otway's
— and Anstruther s to hold themselves in readiness to
join our troops on the north side. Six Royal 4 inch
Howitzers were sent over with them.
ID* July. On the Shipping retiring the Enemy re-
turned to their former Encampments. Provisions were
landed from the Fleet to the North Main — the Enemy
always firing from their Batteries on the Strand on the
Boats, as they pass and repass.
1 1'** July. The Enemy bombarded the Shipping and
encampment on the Point of Orleans, with one 13 Inch
Mortar. This evening a Battery was laid out and be-
gan on the Point for two 24 pounders to protect the
Boats from being so frequently insulted by the floating
Batteries.
1 2^yuly. The body with General Wolfe compleated
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 221
the redoubt for 300 men near the Falls and began on
one near the Precipice. Employed also in hauling up
of artillery from the Beach to the Encampment about
100 feet from the level of the water and the Declivity
very Sudden. This Night at 9 o'clock the Brigade un-
der the Command of Brigadier General Monckton
opened a Battery of Six — 13 inch Mortars on Point
P^re against the Town.
13* y«6'* This morning we observed the enemy
had constructed a Battery on the opposite side of the
Montmorency with four Embrasures. Orders were
given for each Corps to thicken their Breastworks in
the front of their Encampments. A Battery of Six 24
Pounders were erected parallel to it in 9 hours and the
Howitzers brought out fronting it which played on it
with great success — the shells lodging, in the Merlons
and bursting.
14* July. This day the Commander in Chief with
the Quartermaster General and one Engineer escorted
by a party of light Infantry went reconnoitering up the
River Montmorency, in order to find a passage over.
No fording place could be observed for the Distance
of above one mile and \. A constant fire was kept
from the Enemies side. The Banks almost inaccessi-
ble and the Stream very rapid.
15* July. This day the Park of Artillery was formed
within the Chain of Redoubts on the left of the En-
campment This night four Companies of Grenadiers
under the Command of Major Morris were ordered
from this Encampment to the Point of Orleans.
16*^ July. This day the Grenadiers of the line re-
ceived orders to hold themselves in readiness to em-
bark. These orders, in some time after, counter-
manded. Two Redoubts were laid out,- one forming
the Chain between the great and small Redoubts, the
other Commanding the Bank on which the two Bat-
teries were constructed fronting the Beach above
Montmorency. This evening between 11 and 12
o'clock part of the town of Quebec was set on fire by
222 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
a shell from our Batteries which continued in flames
till 1 1 o'clock. The Town played the whole day on
our Works and we returned the salute by throwing
of shells without any intermission. Thus far we have
proceeded with success and vigour, but where the grand
coup is to be, is not known. Some say at Beauport,
others to ford the Montmorency, others to storm the
Basseville and Fauxbourg de S* Roch — but various are
the Conjectures. This night the Sutherland, a 50
Gun Ship was ordered to sail above the Town (but
did not.)
I y^^ July. This morning our fascine cutters were at-
tacked by a body of Savages, we repulsed them, with
the loss of our side of ten men killed and wounded,
half of which they Scalped, notwithstanding we rushed
in on the Report of their Musquets. This morning
came in a Deserter — a Regular who met the Savages
crossing the ford on their return with the Scalps, Our
troops, one third on the works, one third hauling of
Cannon and carrying stores to the Artillery Park.
18^ July. The French Boats, fired on our Boats as
they passed and repassed on the North side of the Isl-
and of Orleans. Began fraising the Redoubts. This
night one 50 Gun Ship and 3 Frigates sailed above
the town. One Frigate keeping our shore too close
on board stuck fast between Point de Levi and Point
des P^res.
19'** July. Our working parties employed as usual
in making Fascines &*" drawing up of Artillery and
landing Provisions.
20'*" July. This morning a body of the Enemy
fired on our Party cutting pickets for finishing the
Fraising of the Great Redoubt, but retired upon our
firing some Howitzers at them. This night a party of
250 men began to work on three small Redans in the
front of the Encampment This night all the Grena-
diers here consisting of Nine Companies were ordered
to embark from this Camp to the Point of the Island
of Orleans.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 223
21'^ July. Several Mortars &'' were removed from
the Artillery Park to the water side to be embarked.
Arrived in this Camp from the Point of Orleans part
of the Detachment of Duroure's and Cornwallis's.
This morning at Break of day Lawrence's Battery and
a party of Highland Rangers and Light Infantry landed
about 20 miles above the town and upon the same side
and drove the Enemy & took about 200 women away
and put them on board of our ships.
22"'*. Our Commander returned from Point Levi this
Evening. At 1 1 o'clock this night the Town took fire
and burnt very fierce and consumed the Cathedral.
23'^ Went from this camp the Commander in Chief,
Brig*^ Gen* Murray, the Chief Engineer and that Corps
leaving one Engineer in order to carry on the remain-
der of the works. The fire in the town raged till 6
this evening, and were slowly plied all night by our
Bomb, Batteries at Point des Peres from which place
this night we opened a Battery of 32 pounders Richo-
chet against the town.
24*. The Enemy brought down 13 Boats between
the 2 Batteries on the shore near Montmorency. This
day we constructed Merlons on a Barbette Batter)^
fronting the Enemies Trenches on the opposite side
the Falls and added one more Gun or Embrasure to
it which completed it for five 24 Pounders.
25*. We fired from our Battery of five 24 pounders
on the Enemies longest Encampment about 2 miles
from us being near the village of Beauport and obliged
them to remove it. This day we constructed another
Battery of four long 24 pounders near the former front-
ing the Enemies Works.
26***. This day we began on our Center Redoubt.
At Break of Day — the Commander in chief, Brig"
Murray, in 2 Divisions recconnoitering up the River
Montmorency — the Regiments were Otway's and
Bragg's and the whole Light Infantry and Ran-
gers. The whole returned into Camp, the same
Evening. That Body with the Commander in Chief
224 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
meeting with a large body of the Enemy, engaged
them with small loss on both sides, we beat the Enemy
quite out of the field into the River and fired at them.
As they were passing the Enemy returned a heavy
fire from the opposite side of the River, there not
being above 80 Feet over which killed and wounded
us several. We had one captain killed which was
Fletcher, one subaltern which was Hamilton — both of
Otway's. One shot through the lungs and the Gen-
eral's aid de camp wounded. Captain Bell and about
30 were killed and wounded. The loss of the Ene-
mies side was much more, as the greatest carnage
was when they were in the Rfver and obliged to pass
through two Companies of Light Infantry to get there,
so nobly had our Commander in chief made his Dis-
position in case of an attack.
2y^. General Bragg s Regiment not returning last
night, Lascelles were detached from Camp this morn-
ing to reinforce them, as they had invested the village
of S* Ange Gardien about 3 miles below our Encamp-
ment. The Enemy abandoned the village and took
post in the woods. The 28^** Regiment Received or-
ders from the officer Commanding that Corps immedi-
ately to rush in which they did and took 4 Canadians
prisoners, we had 2 men killed and 4 wounded. Or-
ders were Sent from the Commander in Chief to that
Detachment not to destroy the village nor the Church
at that time. The 28*** and 47* Regiments returned
into camp this afternoon with 38 head of Cattle, 20
horses and upwards of 100 Sheep. This night about
12 o'clock the Enemy sent a fire raft from the town
with the tide of Ebb towards our shipping which when
observed by the Ships of War their Boats immediately
towed it off.
28* yuly 1759. Opened a Battery of six 32 poun-
ders at Point des P^res against the Town.
29*. Orders were given out for the 13 Companies
of Grenadiers under the Command of Colonel Burton
to embark on the morrow from the Point of Orleans in
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 225
'flat Bottomed Boats and to attack the Upper Redoubts
on the water's Edge between the Falls and Beauport
to be supported by 2 Compleat Companies of Monck-
ton's Battalion. The Army at Montmorency Camp to
cross the Ford below the Falls at Brigadier Towns-
hend's Discretion. Two Engineers for this service
one in Ordinary and one Extraordinary. Orders this
day for another Redoubt to be made in this Camp in
order to Strengthen our Chain round the Encampment.
30*. The redoubt began on but not compleated this
day.
31**. At ID o'clock, sailed down — 2 Cats with can-
non, in order to batter against the two Batteries and
Redoubts, that the Enemy had constructed on the
River Side, one mile above the Falls, of Montmorency
— they came to an anchor, or rather ran ashore as
nigh the Enemies works as possible, at high water,
<iuring which time they were fired on without intermis-
sion particularly the headmost (at') from their works
and floating Batteries — that were nauled close to the
land under the Enemie's Cannon. Directly the vessels
touched they began returning the Enemie's fire very
amply, which prevented that hot fire as before — not-
withstanding the Enemy now and then saluted them,
almost every shot taking place. In half an hour after
sailed down his Majesty's Ship the Centurion — 50
Gun Ship to assist the Cats iii covering the landing of
the Troops and destroying the Enemies works but her
coming to an anchor, at so great a distance ; and the
situation she was in prevented her shot having the de-
sired effect — though they were well directed, if not
better than could have been conceived from the Place
and distance. The flat bottomed Boats with the
Grenadiers of the Line, after some cannonading from
the shipping rowed from the Point of Orleans towards
the Redoubt to be attacked and were joined by the
Commander in Chief and two Companies of Brigadier
Monckton's Battalion from Montmorency Camp or-
dered for to sustain the Grenadiers. The whole re-
* *
»5
226 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
mained on their oars for some time till they were
joined by Brigadier General Monckton's Brigade from
Point Levi during which time the Enemy fired several
shots at the Boats and 3 shells as fast as possible
from two 13 Inch Mortars — they had on the Bank or
Cliff. We made an attempt to row on shore then
again laid on our Oars, it being tide of Ebb, we let it
drive our Boats till they came opposite the Centre —
between the 2. Redoubts, when the signal was made
for the whole to row on shore, it being between 5 and
6 o'clock in the Evening, during which time the En-
emy collected all their force from Beauport. Three
Companies of Grenadiers were in the Cats who dis-
embarked with the rest of the Troops at Low water
mark the Strand being near half a mile over to the
Redoubt and about 400 yards meadow land to the foot
of the Bank. They marched first to the Redoubt
which the Enemy abandoned first firing their mus-
quetry that were in it Then the Enemy began firing
voUies from the trenches on the top of the Bank not-
withstanding the Distance they wounded many of our
people. (At this time General Townshend with his
Brigade and Light Infantry had crossed the ford and
were on the Strand ready to support the attack. Briga-
dier General Monckton's Brigade were also landed in
the rear of the attack.) Our Grenadiers after entering
the first redoubt and Battery were on their way to that
nearer Montmorency about 200 yards from the other in
order to storm it, as they formed they could not proceed
straight up from the first redoubt during their march
the Bank projecting more in on the Strand gave our
troops, from the French a very heavy fire which obliged
us to retreat at first a little confused, but soon formed
again under favour of a heavy shower as ever I saw for
the time. Marched with great regularity into their
Boats as likewise did Monckton's Brigade, leaving the
Highlanders with the Commander in Chief at their head
to cross the ford after Brigadier General Townshend's
Brigade. The Cannon played from their Batteries at
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 22/
our Troops passing the Ford and to give them their
due merit they passed it as regularly as at a review or
exercising a manoeuvre of that kind, notwithstanding
they were not 400 yards from a Battery of 3 Guns
that bore on them the whole time. The 2 Cats we
blew up with 2 Short Six pounders about 500 En-
trenching Tools &c &c.
N. B. Our Artillery from Montmorency consisting
of upwards of 60 pieces of all kinds enfiladed their
works and by all accounts did great execution, they
never ceased firing from 10 in the morning till we re-
treated which we did without ever once firing a shot.
Our Commander in Chief was not a little exasperated
at his Grenadiers he says he accuses them of everything
but want of Spirit as they did not wait for his Orders.
August i". Compleated the redoubts near the
Royal American Encampment and double fraised it.
2"^ Enclosed the two Quarter Guards en Redoubt
of the 28* Regiment and Moncktons Battalion and
fraised the same.
3'**. The Regiment went through some manoeuvres
directed by the Commander in Chief.
4*. Returned Captain Hazen's Company of Rangers
from a Scout below the River. Had an Engagement
where he drove the Enemy but lost his Lieu* and some
of his men. Six Companies of Grenadiers were in-
structed in some new manoeuvres by the Comm*^ in
Chief.
5***. This night we fired several Rounds of Artillery
at the Enemies Entrenchments and fired a Rocket.
Came in a Deserter. Came down the North Channel
for this Camp a Ship loaded with Provisions. Were
detached this night to reconnoitre the Environs the
47'** Regiment with one Howitzer & one Short six
pounder.
7*. Went from this Camp Reconnoitering the Com-
mander in Chief with the ^^^ Reg' and Light Infantry
of the Camp commanded by Col Howe. This day
Lascelles returned & the rest of the Detachments*
228 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
8* August 1759- A Small Party went out recon-
noitering up the River Montmorency. This night
about 1 2 o'clock the town took fire.
* 9***. The fire remained kindled great part of this
day.
ID*. Our working party employed on another
Redoubt enclosing Brig' Gen* Murray's Quarters.
This morning went down the river, 2 Companies of
Grenadiers of the Royal Americans and also the
Comm' in Chief in flat Bottomed Boats as far as
Joachim's. They returned back this day, after having
had some skirmishing a few men wounded on both
sides and the Enemy as usual drove. A near account
of what troops the French have from Montmorency to
the Town.
Regulars = 2400 Regular Horse = iocx> Cana-
dians = 12,000 Indians = 1000 in all = 16.400 Men.
N. B. I've one remonstrance to beg leave to make
to you, as Chief Engineer that I've not received a
Tent since I've been an established Engineer. The
last year's reason was from Col Bastide, who told me
I was too late when at the same time, he made ah
allowance to Captain Williamson of j^i 2 Sterling. This
year I applied to M*^ Keller who told me there were
none left and it was not in his power to make me any
allowance for. What I think on that head, is that it is
very hard and that our Commanding Officers are very
much afraid of the Board of Ordnance. I know a
Captain Lieu' of Artillery that has received for these
four Campaigiis, four new tents and Marquees Captain
Lieu* Day.
To L' Colonel Montresor.
Quebec, October 5* 1759.
Dear Sir
My letter from Montmorency Camp to you was
dated August 10* to which time, the most essential
passages of the Campaigii were inserted in it, and
from that time to the day of the Capitulation of this
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 229
place I will endeavour to continue to you my Journal
though but superficial
Aug. 1 1*. Completed the redoubt round Brig' Gerf
Murray's Quarter with a fraise on the foot of the
Glacis.
12^ August 1759. Came in accounts that our
Rangers under the Command of Captain Goram had
destroyed the village of S^ Paul's near the Isle aux
Coudres and were proceeding over to the West Side
to lay waste that part of the country opposite.
13*. We fired several shots from our Artillery on
the Enemie's works across the Falls.
14*. Our working parties as usual. A foraging party
of a man of a tent, were detached from this Camp
escorted by a large Detachment of Light Infantry.
A large Launce came down to the Battery above the
Falls about 800 yards. We fired several shots at it
from our lower Batteries. This night a Volunteer party
of one Officer & 16 men of the 48* Reg* went out to
form an Ambuscade near the Skirts of the wood round
the Encampment
1 5*. We continued firing both from our Lower
Batteries and our Howitzers at the great Launce, im-
agining she had brought Ammunition &" to the Lower
Battery, when fortunately she blew up, by means of a
cold shot from our Lower Batteries of four Ship 24
Pounders, which burst several shells on board and
discharged several small arms. At 9 o'clock this night
the Town took fire from our Batteries from which we
played briskly and the French returned. A total Dis-
charge of their Artillery of all kinds fronting our works
on Point des P^res.
16^. Came in a Deserter this morning from Le Roy
Rousillon. As almost every night volunteer parties
lay out-^lasts night party of 1 6 men was commanded
by a volunteer who fell in with part of the Enemy in
the night and retired through the woods to an Opening
near the Church of the village S^ Ange Gardien to a
house, where he was attacked by a party of above 200
230 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Indian and Canadians mosdy Indians — they sur-
rounded the house and even put the muzzles of their
fusils into the Windows and would attempt to take hold
of our men's arms, when offering- to put them out to
fire, our small party defended themselves gallantly
killing several of the Enemy. On hearing this firing
the Comman*" in Chief with the pickets of the Line set
out with all Dispatch to their relief detaching a party
of the light Infantry into the woods, to cut them off. A
Serjeant and 20 men of the 28* Reg^ rushed bravely to
the house & assisted to its noble defence. The Enemy
retired j'ust time enough to escape the Ambuscade of
the Light Infantry who were within five minutes of
trapping the whole.
17*. Embarked from this Camp eight 12 pounders
long field pieces — one Captain two subalterns and one
company of Artillery, for the 3 new constructed
Batteries at Point des Peres. Parties are daily de-
tached fi*om this Camp for boards for the Mens Tents,
and also for Corn to dry in the Sun for their Tents, as
the straw is grown bad.
18*. Arrived 150 Highlanders from Point de Levi to
this Camp and were immediately detached down the
River and took post at the village of S* Joichim opposite
the Traverse. The Enemy constructed a small
Battery of two — 24 pounders close to the nearest
battery on the Beach, behind a mole or projection of
the Bank, which they play on our Boats passing and
repassing the North Channel.
19*. Arrived in this Camp from the Point of Orleans
the 3 Louisbourg Companies of Grenadiers in order
to join the Post below.
20^**. Were detached, the 3 Companies of Grenadiers
to S' Ange Gardien to take Post in the Church.
21*^. Were detached to the Highlander's post, one
short 6 pounder & i Howitzer.
22"**. Began setting the lower post on fire and all the
villages about it.
23'**. Set on Fire the villages of L'Ange Gardien and
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 23 1
Chateau Richer. The floating Batteries attacked
Goram's Post about 9 miles above Point P^res. This
day 2 Sailors were scalped and 5 wounded, when
plundering on the South Main. This day was killed
and scalped the Priest who commanded a party of men
at Joichim and 20 of his party, they made but a bad
defence. This night on a report of some pickets hav-
ing been heard to have drove on the opposite side of
the River Montmorency, an aid de Camp & Engineer
was sent out up the River and part of the Skirt of the
Wood with a party of one serjeant and two men.
24*. Our parties continued burning the village of S'
Ange Gardien.
2^^ Augusi 1759. The Parties on the North side
ordered to burn and destroy all the settlements to the
Encampment and join the main body.
26^**. Embarked from this Encampment several pieces
of Artillery and Stores. Arrived this day Brig' Gen^
Murray who has returned with his Command that were
on the North side above Quebec.
27*, 28***, 29^**. The army employed in embarking of
Cannon and Stores and Tools to be sent on board of
the Transports.
30^**. This night were detached down the river on
the South Side 40 men from each Regiment for de-
stroying the settlements.
31**. Five hundred men employed in bawling all the
heavy artillery to the Beach and embarking them in
Boats. This night the Marines embarked for the Isl-
and of Orleans. This night went up above the Town
one Frigate 2 Transports & 2 Sloops, a heavy can-
nonading from the Town ensued.
September i". The Field Train and some Howitzers
only remaining in Camp. Arrived in Camp the 3
Companies of Louisbourg Grenadiers & 3 Companies
of Highlanders. L'Ange Gardien set on fire and all
the settlements to this Camp. Several Long Boats &
flat Bottomed Boats arrived for the remainder of the
Artillery Stores, Tools &^ Regiments Baggage. An
232 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Engineer ordered this night over to the Island of Or-
leans to strengthen that post.
2°**. Arrived on the Island of Orleans the 3 Compan-
ies Louisbourg Grenadiers and 3 Companies of High
landers from the Camp at Montmorency and the 2
Battalions of Royal Americans and Encamped there.
Also a Detachment of Artillery — 2 Short 12 pounders
and two 8 inch Howitzers. This day the Comm' in
Chief Received accounts from Major General Amherst
that the Enemy had abandoned Carillon and Fort
Frederick and that he was then in possession of the
latter.
Quebec October 18* — 1759.
Dear Sir.
Enclosed I send you the Disposition of the two Ar-
mies as they were drawn up, the glorious 13th of
September 1759. I hardly dared venture to send it
you, as it is only a B rout lion — a conjectural Sketch
that I took a few days after the victory and not being
well finished but my dear father you must consider one
thing, that no one Could expect to have a finished
Draught from an Engineer on an Expedition very
early, as they are always greatly employed after a sur-
render or Capitulation and have no title to send away
anything of that Kind, in Consequence of their Instruc-
tions and also of their Orders they receive from their
Commanding officers of their corps and have not it in
their power always to get a copy of a survey. Our sit-
uation at present is very tranquil, the Enemy remain
at Jacques Cartier without any molestation — the In-
dians are fled from both parties. The Canadians are
neuter, that are near us and numbers have taken the
oaths of fidelity and given in their arms and supply
us with Sheep, Hogs, Fowls and Vegetables, not very
cheap you may imagine. Their paper money by order
of the Governor Brig' General Murray is cried down,
so they truck their Commodities for L' Argent Blanc,
Salt or Pork, Flour or Biscuit. We are quartered but
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 233
SO and so, the Quarters of the Town are divided to the
Regiments the Basseville to 3 Battalions and the Fau-
bourg of S' Roch to 5 Companies of Highlanders (and
the 48*** Reg* in the palace of the Intendant) the best
Quarters of the whole. Tm quartered in a house that
has no roof, not a single Board, nor has the Engineer
a single, artificer under his Command, nor has the Com-
missary of Ordnance Stores a single Key of the Bar-
rack Tools, Magazines &^ Cap* Leslie has the Keys
and Command of every thing. However I make those
things set very easy. I scuffle with the crowd & must
say this for myself that I can as the saying is, make
my quarters as good as any, in the idle hours, I get a
couple of carpenters or rather am to get to morrow to
begin roofing. I've procured already the materials
and as I understand this morning that a poor Subal-
tern (which I am likely to remain without your assist-'
ance) is to receive only 3 cords of wood for his fuel
this Winter I am providing that article in a very am-
ple manner, thanks be to our well directed Shells
which have knocked in several houses that are not
tenable and so condemned. I think the Desolation of
this place exceeded Louisbourg. I mentioned to you
before that I have received no Tent as yet since I have
been an Established Engineer, nor any allowance made
me. The Fleet for England are not sailed, for these 3
days past we have had a storm that drove some of the
vessels on shore. The Ships of War have received no
damages My duty if you please to my Dear Mother
and love to Harry. In regard to our Works they are
in General new and in pretty good order, exceptinj
the Bastion next the Citadel whose left face and Flanl
wants thickening, the Flank has 10 guns — 11 Em-
brasures and the Face 8. We are cutting Embrasures
in several of the Faces, making Banquettes to the
Curtins filling in some of the Merlons, Fortifying the
avenues of the Fauxbourg of S' Roch and that of Cape
Diamond, by a Stockade and Ditch with Loopholes
for firing through. The rest of the Troops are em-
234 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ployed in bringing from the Water Side and piling of
Wood for the Winter and others cutting it on the
Point of the Island of Orleans. As 8 or lo of our
Scalps have been taken when wooding some distance
up the River on the North Main I think as nigh as I
can learn there is taken from the Enemy and near the
town 330 pieces of Cannon 20 Mortars 501 Barrels of
Powder. As to other Stores I have not learnt any
account of — I know there is a great quantity of Shot
and particularly of 13 Inch Shells — we have also taken
three Howitzers, 8 inch Brass lost at M*^ Braddock's
affair. The Magazines for Powder are in very good
order and well situated. The Guards mounted in the
Town are per Diem 1000. Gentry Boxes we have
made and mounted. 300.
The Present Situation of the Town of Quebec with a
Description of it and its Environs,
The Town is divided by a clift which divides the
upper Town from the lower Town. The upper Town
is that part that is fortified which towards the land is
by 6 Bastions, constructed of masonry, very obtuse,
cannon proof, Bastions hollow, the Flanks mounting
from 6 to 10 Guns, the Faces scarce have any, several
of the Merlins not filled in, no Ditch or at least only
here and there, nor can be any made of any Depth, as
the work was constructed before any Ditch was sunk
and the soil is of a slaty Rock, the blowing of it for
that purpose must undoubtedly shake the whole mass
of the works. There is a kind of wall intended for a
covert way. The highest part of the works is towards
the River S' Lawrence on Cape Diamond where there
is a sort of Citadel Constructed with a large Magazine
within. The whole greatly commanded by the Ground
before it, called the Heights of Abraham, where the
French Army was defeated by the English army under
the command of the late Major General Wolfe Septem-
ber 13 — 1759. There are several knolls or Hillocks
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 235
within 400 yards of the works very capable of contain-
ing Bastions of 9 & lo Guns each. The night before the
Town capitulated one of the Batteries for 10 Guns was
marked out against the left FaCe of Bastion urseline and
one for 9 guns against the left Face of Bastion S' Jean
and to have been begun on that night. Had there not
been advice received that the Enemy were making
some motions seeming to attack us that night, prepa-
rations were made accordingly for their reception, by
ordering the working parties for the Bastions to cut
down a Quantity of Brush in the Front of our Encamp-
ment and the Cannon (Fieldpieces) were divided to
such Regiments.
Quebec December 16*** 1760
Dear Sir
Finding no possibility for the collier to proceed on
her voyage from hence, on account of the Ice, I've en-
closed my letter to you by the Post to Montreal, which
is safe but irregular. There's scarce anything here
worth relating to you. All is quiet of course thanks
to our arms, though after the capitulation of Canada
was signed an officer of troops being in Company with
some French officers said 'Twas '* un grand coup."
One made answer (as a Reflection) that we might
thank our humanity more than our arms for so great
an aquisition in allusion to M"^ Murray's Expedition up
the River, where above 7000 men deserted to him and
several Regulars (man"^ of his placards & manifestos)
the whole brought in their Arms, took the oaths of
Fidelity and were well treated which prevented any
of the Canadians appearing in arms when we were be-
fore the Town. I am glad to find by Lieut Colonel
Maitland that the troops of this District meet with the
approbation of the Big wigs at home. T'would be
strange if they did not for if Bravery, Vigilance, activ-
ity, willingness, perseverance, and good conduct would
not gain it, what would ? For were we altogether un-
successful in the antecedent affairs of the last Cam-
236 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
paign? The Enemy once fixed here would be, the
English term it, given us the Bag to hold. You'll say,
our Trumpeter is still existing, & that it is natural for
me to praise the Bridge I go over, but facts are facts
& what all the world says must be true. I am going
through a course of Physic at last having postponed
the Evil day till now, notwithstanding my friend Adair
and the rest of the Family's advice, but necessity has
obliged me for I am broke out with the Scurvy, am in
good health otherwise and hope soon to get over it,
as I never despond and am regular to prescription.
Hope Dear Sir when I am so happy as to hear from
you next, shall know what footing I'm on in regard to
the next year's Document (Dowen ?)
To I am dear Father
Lieut Col Montresor Yours &c
John montresor
VI.
Expedition to " Les Praries de la Magdalene."
John Montresor.
July \^ — 1760 At 5 o'clock this afternoon the
Diana made signals for weighing and before six the
whole were under way the wind fair with the tide of
flood. At seven signal was given for Anchoring when
the whole came to an anchor between the villages of
S* Augustin and S' Anthoine 8 Fathoms —
N*' of Sail 34 Sail
Provisions for three months 3 months.
The fleet of Lord RoUo's Brigade. . 17 Sail.
I5*\ At 5 o'clock this morning a signal was made
for weighing the wind fair and tide of Flood at \ after
Six the fleet arrived a breast of Pointe au Tremble.
The Canadians to the amount of 300 assembled imme-
diately at the Church with their arms and packs. The
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 237
ennemy sent off a Batteau which row'd up the River
along shore. Depth of Water 13 fathoms. Course to
be kept nearer the South shore than the Northwards.
At 7 o'clock the Ennemy fired a Gun up the River.
After passing Pointe au Tremble two miles, the Nar-
rows begin to open at least two Capes Appearing in
that form near lapping each other when arrived oppo-
site to that Cape that forms the River of Jacques
Cartier the Ennemy fir d about twelve shot from a
Work on the top of the Precipice which they garrison'd
during the Winter. The Metal being light *t was of
no aspect, only one shot at full range coming near us
they have one Gun that's directed across that River
and about five or six more towards the land S. W of
it which they are obliged to reverse to fire at the Fleet
This Work is a Tasierage, Cannon proof, part frais'd
and the Rest Stockaded towards the Water with an
impenetrable Abbattis down the Bank made by Falling
the Trees forward with a pretty good Ditch round the
whole. The number of men about 160 within, as ap-
peared to me from the Water. Depth of Water 10
fathoms. After passing Cape Sant^, Pointe La Platon
appears : on the North side, between the Church of
S' Famille and Port Neufs there was drawn up on the
Edge of the Bank 50 regular troops in a Rank entire
with order'd arms & their Packs on the Ground. At
9 o'clock this morning we came opposite to Platon
from whence we had a view of Cape L'Aubiniere and
Pointe DesChambeaux also of one of the Ennemies
Gallies sailing near that pointe with Lattine sails and
a Dutch ensign hoisted on her Main Mast The
Signal was given from the Diana for our fleet to
anchor. Depth of Water 15 Fathoms. The Galley
Continuing her Course and was immediately joined by
another both directing their Course up the River. At
^ an hour after nine about 50 of the Cavalry appeared
mounted and three Deep, they dismounted and turned
their Horses to grass after having refresh'd themselves
they mounted and Rode up the River towards Points
238 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
des-champbeaux. At 4 in the afternoon the Diana
made a Signal for the Floating Batteries and flat
Bottomed Boats to go a head to reconnoitre which
was done and they returned the tide made about 5
o'clock and a fair Breeze the Porcupine weighed and
sail'd a head of the Diana and came to an anchor the
Penzance the same and anchored where the Porcupine
laid. At six o'clock, part of their body of Canadians
that assembled opposite to us on the North Shore re-
turned down the River to the Number of fifty. There
is a large and long ledge of Rocks that appeared at low
water about half a mile from the North Shore. The
tide of Flood made one hour sooner on the South
Shore than the North, and the tide of Ebb ran stronger
on it than on the South Shore that Anchorage being
cover d by the Great Ledge off" that Shore. At 5
o'clock the Ennemy fir d a shot or shell from a Point
of land on y*' South Shore.
16*. Signal was made for sailing, y* Porcupine
leading the Van after the greatest part of y*" fleet had
clear'd the Batteries of Platon, the remainder of y*
fleet were hail'd from the Diana to come to an anchor,
as the wind grew scant and the Channel narrow &
difficult. The fleet in passing the Pointe Des Champs
beaux, and entering the Rapids of Richelieu were can-
nonaded from thence being near point blank shot
which dismounted one Gun on board the Porcupine
and wounded three men, kill'd one Officer of High-
landers and wounded two more, and struck several
other transports. The fleet exchanged several Shot
and continued their Course to Grondines where they
came to an anchor in 9 fathoms at high water. Orders
were given this afternoon for a Detachment of 170
men under y*' Command of Major Carry to attack the
post at Platon. At Dusk they embark'd in flat bot-
tomed boats and landed near 2 miles below the Point
where the Ennemy had taken Post.
1 7***. At dawn of day the Post of Platon (consisting
of a Regular officer of the troupe de Colonic and 60
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 239
Regulars & Canadians) was attacked and carried by
our troops. The Officer shot thro* the body & 2
prisoners taken, without a man hurt on our side.
18*. The Officer died of his wounds.
19***. This morning a Flag of Truce was sent down
to the Fort a Jacques Quartier.
26***. At Dawn of day, the Diana made a signal for
weighing and at 4 o'clock the fleet were under sail with
the tide of flood & the wind breezing up, leaving the
Penzance at Anchor and opposite the pointe des champs-
beaux blew fresh which carried the fleet through the
Rapids, at 7 o'clock join'd the remainder of our Fleet
at anchor at the Grondines. In steering from the
Bason of Platon great care must be taken to avoid the
BattOres of Platon which at low water are all dis-
covered and has 10, 11 & 12 fathom of water near it,
soft bottom, and decreases the sounding across the
Channel very gradually to one fathom rocky Bottom —
when you are well abreast of these BattOres or
breakers, to follow the course of the Channel you must
steer for the Church of L'Aubiniere situated near the
water's Edge on a Flat then continuing to keep near-
est to the south shore you will pass through 2 Ledges
a narrow passage but a sufficient depth of water. On
coming to an anchor about 40 of the Cavalry followed
us up to Grondines.
27*. At 5 o'clock this morning sail'd the Porcupine
and the 2** Brigade. The floating Batteries and Flat
Bottoms a head leaving a large vacancy between them
distinguishing the Channel, from the anchorage
between the Church of Grondines on the North Side
and la Riviere du Chfine on the South. The Fleet
steer'd W & by S southerly as the Channel runs which
obliged them to keep well on the South shore giving
the Spit a league above the Church a good birth
which appears from this Anchorage to project half
across the River. Immediately about 60 of the
Ennemies light Horse mounted and rode up the River.
At i an hour after 10, 1 observed several Waggons with
240 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Baggage and 'twas imagined 2 pieces of Artillery also,
this Escorted by 2 Companies of Regular troops, one
in y* front and one in y* Rear. I observed many
Canadians appearing about y* skirts of the woods and
all y* houses and Barns fiU'd with regular troops. The
woods within Musket Shot of y* waters Edge at 12
o'clock I observed a very long smoke appearing as
from y* back of Jacques Cartier, Answered at Grondines.
At I after .^ a signal was made from y* Diana for
weighing and at 7 o'clock the fleet anchor'd near
Battiscaut in 7 fathoms soft bottom and some small
rocks. From the anchorage of Grondines, being above
the french wreck, the fleet with the i** Brigade steer'd
for the South Shore W. southerly and a sufficiency of
water, when abreast of a house and Barn in a small
opening on the Southern Shore steer'd W, when near
abreast of y* Blufi" before they arriv'd at y* Cape west,
northerly, when full abreast of it West by North, when
to y* Westward of y« Bluff' W. N. W. This Blufi" is
very steep of a whitish clay & covered promiscuously
with trees. In passing the Bar of Grondines the Diana
struck but instantly got off" by cutting her cable. The
2** Brigade convoyed by the Porcupine came to an
anchor this night near y* village of Champlain. The
enemy march'd a sm'all body of troops down to the
shore to fire on y* floating Batteries which run in close
to y* shore & fired on y* Ennemy with Grape Shot
which obliged them to retire and carry off" some of
their men on hand Barrows. The floating Batteries
received several shot through their sails but no other
damage.
28'**. At 6 o'clock this morning signal was made from
the Diana for the i" Brigade to weigh anchor, the
fleet got under way & anchor'd at 12 o'clock off" y*
village of Champlain — 8 fathom & a half of water. At
10 o'clock I observed the packet Schooner a great dis-
tance astern from Quebec and immediately sent to
acquaint the General. Arrived in her Captain Stobo
appointed Cap' in y* 15^ Reg*. The Schooner left
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 24 1
Quebec the 26* in the afternoon and brought the
accounts of the arrival of part of the troops from Louis-
bourg. The Packet Schooner & another (sutler's
vessel) was chased by a Galliott of y* Ennemies & 6
Batteaux fill'd with troops of y* Reg^ de Colonie, which
had been concealed up the River Battiscaut, but did
not succeed for on their appearing all the flat Bottom'd
boats, floating Batteries &'' were immediately detach'd
to their assistance, on which motion the Ennemy made
a large smoke on y* North shore. This Day a Ketch
struck in y* Rapids of S' Ann's.
29***. Remain'd at Anchor this Day, very little wind
at west Scarce any flood making at 5 o'clock this
afternoon 9 flat bottom'd boats left the fleet to proceed
to Quebec to conduct the reinforcement of troops
from Louisbourg. This morning a french topsail ves-
sell was observ'd ofi" the mouth of Trois Rivieres.
3l•^ This Morning signal was made from the
Diana for the fleet to weigh which they did and
anchor'd after sailing about 4 miles. The fleet sailing
within musquet shot of the North Shore the whole
time, one sloop inclining too much to the left of the
fleet ran aground but got off Some time After. Ob-
serv'd 3 Divisions of light horse about 20 in each on
their way upwards.
August i". The Wind blowing very hard at East
no possibility of Sailing this Day. This Night an
Officer & Party of Rangers brought a prisoner off from
the North Shore, who gave some account but rather
imperfect, he says that — i** there was no troops at
Trois Rivieres except a few Canadians, afterwards
that there was 4000 most of which were Canadians —
that the Governor Monsieur Longueil y* Governor of
the 3 Rivers Commanded there — that Monsieur
Dumas Major of y* troope du Colonie who Com-
manded at Deschambeau join'd him, that Monsieur
Levi and a great body of troops had march'd to meet
the troops under y** Command of Major General Am-
herst and that Monsieur Levi had taken Post at Isle.
16
242 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
au Gollot above La Galette, that Monsieur Barlemac
had taken post at S' Francis in Lake S' Peter, to sup-
port and supply Monsieur Levi, And that Monsieur
Boucainville Commanded the troops at Isle aux
noix.
2"**. The Wind blew very hard at West and con-
tinued so till near Evening. Little or no tide to be
observed here.
3'**. The Wind moderate at West.
4***. At 6 o'clock this morning the i*' Brigade
weighed but the wind failing and not able to stem the
Current anchored at 8 o'clock. At 4 o'clock this after-
noon the i" Brigade again weigh'd from opposite
Pointe au Roche and at 8 o'clock came to an anchor.
Orders this day that the i" Brigade were to receive
their Signals from the Brotherhood Katt as 'twas
agreed the Diana would not proceed further. This
Morning I received orders from the General to admin-
ister the Oath of Fidelity to the Parish of Gentilly and
to permit them to Keep their arms which was done
this Day and Passports Given by me to each man.
This people are obliged to go to the Village of Cham-
plain for divine service.
5*. At 4 o'clock this morning Signal was made for
weighing, at 6 o'clock — a Katt struck. Came to an
anchor off the village of Beguemont.
7'\ Arrived opposite the Church of Magdeline.
8*. At 8 o'clock this morning signal was made by
the Diana then below y* Church of Magdelen for the 1"
Brigade to weigh & on their arriving near the 2^ Bri-
gade then at Anchor opposite the mouth of the 3 Rivers
the Porcupine made a Signal for the 2** Brigade to
weigh in sailing the South Shore was mostly kept on
board — the River in this place is near 3 miles across
and 3 good Channels broad enough and the S one
& middle one out of the Ennemies Shot. After
passing the town we directed our Course to a point
of low land with a cluster of a Dozen of trees on
it, on the North shore opposite which is 10 Fathoms
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 243
of Water & kept the North Shore for 2 miles & ^ and
then the fleet stood towards the South Shore till its
Arrival into the Lake. On Entering y* Lake we ob-
serv'd a great number of people in Arms on y* South
Shore near y* River Nicolet By the Number of
troops, the Works they had thrown up and prepara-
tions the Ennemy had made one would have imagin'd
they expected to have been attack'A Having thrown
up a Redoubt round the Windmill to the West of the
Town, with 2 Embrazures & a line of Communication
from it to the town and an appearance of lines cover-
ing all the westward avenues to a large Redoubt lately
constructed in the Rear of the town on a rising ground
near it and greatly commanding it & appearing to
command y* upper town th** at a great Distance. On
the Cape that forms the 3 Rivers the Ennemy had
constructed a kind of Breastwork, this Spot as repre-
sented in y* plan is the Properest Situation for the fort
there Seems to be an old Stockaded one near y* Con-
vent The Ennemy had taken out all y* windows
Glass from y* Forms. The upper town enfilades en-
tirely the lower town and plunges along the whole
Beach. Observed 2 Embrasures in y* upper town
of a Fascinage & one Gun of small calibre, the soil
appearing very sandy. Number of troops that ap-
peared there were about 2500, one thousand at least
by their Cloathing seemed to be regular troops. On
the fleet passing about 200 rushed out of y* Works up
the River and about 70 horsemen mounted.
9*. At i an hour after 6 — the fleet weighed and
came to an anchor at 10. The wind fresh & was
obliged to proceed under an easy sail as several of y*
vessels frequently struck, seldom sounded in more
than 15 feet water. The Porcupine struck several
times & was at last obliged to make a signal for y*
Flat Bottomed Boats &*" to get her off" & the Ranger's
Schooner to take all her guns on board except 4. The
water rises about 18 inches. I went ahead reconnoi-
tring this afternoon & sounding about one league & ^
244 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
a head of y* floating Batteries. Still shoal water from
12 to 20 feet. This day 10 Canoes filled with men
escaped paddling along y* North Shore. The bottom
of y* Lake is a Clay. The Northerly winds bleak
upon this Lake.
10***. The Wind at W. the Flat Bottom Boats sent
to sound over y* Lake. The Porcupine obliged to
warp from y* Stern to y* head of y*' fleat. A Signal
was made for the Chief Engineer this morning, was
asked by the General if I had made any remarks in
regard to y* Post at Trois Rivieres which were given
him verbally by me and in regard to my opinion of
attacking that post. Orders were given this evening
for the first Brigade of Grenadiers consisting of 5
Companies & the Light Infantry and Rangers to em-
bark in Boats to morrow morning to land on the South
Shore and the signal for their Rendezvous was a Jack
upon the main top Gallant Masthead and a Gun at
the Island of S* Francis.
II* About 10 o'clock a Signal was made from y*
Porcupine & the troops ordered for y* landing pro-
ceeded towards y* East point that forms y* westward
opening of the River S Francis but on seeing several
of y* Regular troops on shore y* Detachment retired
according to y* Orders already received from y* Com-
mander in Chief This Parish is situated one league
up the River — the landing is in a marsh — the shore
cover'd with Brush first and then trees as is this whole
Coast, for over a league from y* shore, the marshes
commence even in two fathoms of water — there are
several Marshes whose Reeds rise 10 or 12 feet out
of y* water whicn appear like so many Islands. This
Night late arrived in y* fleet 7 flat-bottom'd Boats from
Lord Rollo's Detachment bringing accounts of that
Fleet being left by them off of the town of Champlain,
that they had made a Descent with 500 men on the
North Shore at y* village of Batiscaut according to
Brig' Gen* Murray's orders— that y* Inhabitants de-
livered in their arms to them — Brought also accounts
JOURNALS OF CAPT, JOHN MONTRESOR. 245
of our success in y* Bay of Chaleurs, of y* Destruc-
tion of one Frigate & 30 of y* Enemies Transports
loaded with provisions, ammunition and Warlike
Stores, besides Merchandize, by the same Captain
Byron. Arrived by this opportunity Captain Debbing,
Engineer Ordinary with Dispatches from Major Gen-
eral Amherst whom he parted from y* Middle of May
last Signal made this afternoon for all Masters of
Merchantmen in order to observe regularity in their
sailing and not to crowd together but to observe a
line as y* Channel was very narrow as some vessells
sail better than others and give way to them, but none
to go a head of y* Porcupine,
12***. Gave to Cap* Debbing y* return of y* propor-
tion of tools on board the Schooners Wolfe and Fish-
hawk. This morning about 6 o'clock the whole fleet
weigh'd and sail'd out of the Lake from 2 to 7 fathoms
of Water in y* Entrance of the Channel between y*
Islands, this Entrance is not observed till you arrive
close to y* Marsh on y* End of y* Lake which is about
80 yards across at the Upper End of y* Island we
found a Cable laid across from Shore to Shore — 12
inches in Diameter and floated by four large bark'd
logs which was soon cut — the Porcupine made a sig-
nal for anchoring and took in her Guns from y* Ran-
gers Schooner. This Boom was intended to have
been defended by a redoubt, the Ennemy had con-
structed at v* head point of y* Southernmost Island.
Presently after, the Breeze still continuing fair y* fleet
weigh'd and sail'd ; after clearing this Point the South
Main is discovered and about 30 or 40 arm'd Cana-
dians. At 2 o clock this afternoon the fleet pass'd the
Mouth of the River Sorel or Richelieu and on the
East point that forms y* River is y* village of Sorel
and its church which was fortified round by a rough
Breastwork mann'd by about 150 Regulars besides
Canadians by their uniform they appear'd to be of the
Regim' of Guyenne to Command the Mouth of y*
Sorel and to observe our motion, the mouth of this
246 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
River is near musquet shot across, the Banks on each
side (are thickly settled) and not very steep. The
floating Batteries fir'd a few shott at y*' works. Op-
posite this Village the Channell is broad and 10 fath-
oms deep. This Afternoon orders were given for y*
Fleet to sail in a line to prevent accidents and Confu-
sion viz' Floating Batteries and Flat Bottom'd Boats
ahead, Porcupine Fanny last with Brigadier Burton on
board, the Artillery, Engineers Commissary of Pro-
visions, Sloop. Also the several Fifes and Drums to
beat morning and Evening, regularly taking it from y*
Porcupine. This Day we observed the Ennemies Frig-
ate Marie which had Cannon on board of her, from
Montreal, to have mounted at Sorel and on the Island
that was fortified plank and Bank'd being already there
for that purpose not expecting our fleet so early from
the difficulty of passing Lake S* Pierre. The fleet
came to an Anchor opposite the village of Bertier.
I3*\ This afternoon the Porcupine and the Fleet fell
down opposite the mouth of the River Sorel, the Por-
cupine fired 2 shots at y* Ennemies works. This
Night were detach'd express through the woods to
our Troops upon Lake Champlain one serjeant and 3
Rangers with dispatches from Brig' Gen* Murray.
The rangers this afternoon took possession of the I si**
of S Ignace. The principal reason for y* fleet's falling
down was on ace* of y*" scarcity of wood on board the
Transports and for them to provide themselves on y*"
Island of S Ignace. Took some Prisoners that gave
an ace' that Isle aux noix was taken by our troops
under y*" command of Co* Haviland on Sunday y*" lo***
Int. and that Monsieur Beurlamac Commanded the
troops at y* mouth of y* Sorel.
14*. This morning the Grenadiers of y* i" Brigade
under y* Command of Major Agnew landed — also a
working party, consisting of 500 men with guns to
make Fascines and reimbark'd in y*' Evening on board
their respective Transports. The Cattle on this Island
by order of y*" General forfeited to our troops as the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 247
Inhabitants were in Arms, many having deserted their
Houses and join'd their Army. An Assistant Quarter
Master General was sent to collect and distribute to
each Corps their proportion of fresh provisions. This
day were embark'd on board y* Porcupine 9 Cohorns
& Royals wfiich play'd upon the Ennemies Works also
Cannonaded them from our Shipping. The Island of
S* Ignace is 5 miles in length, & 2 miles in breadth
and is almost divided by an impassable swamp through
the Centre from one end to the other is a thick wood,
as the Cannadians mostly settle near the water side
and clear from behind them.
1 5*. A Working party consisting of 500 men order'd
if the weather permits to cut Fascines on y* Island of
S* Ignace. This Day the Engineers were divided into
2 Brigades as y*" water was bad the party was counter-
manded— some Canadians of y* parish of S^ Ignace
were sent on board y* Porcupine by the Rangers that
had surrendered that had abandoned their plantations
and concealed themselves in y* woods, they were re-
turned and order d by placard to appear the next day
with all the men of y* Parish and to bring in their
arms under no less penalty than setting fire to the
whole parish : fir'd a few shot from y*" Transports into
the Ennemies Entrenchments. Arrived some Flat
Bottom'd Boats to our Fleet from that of ours in y*
Lake of S* Pierre. I examined a Canadian this even-
ing that acquainted me that Monsieur Levi had been
at Isle S' Francois and that 14 days ago he (M' Levi^
left Monsieur Beurlamac and about 1000 regular troops
there and proceeded to Bertier.
16*. The whole body landed this day only leaving a
sufficient Number of men on board each transport to
clean and air them, part of which were employed in
making Fascines. About 1 50 Canadians came in from
the Islands of S' Ignace, Dupas, S* Aim^ & Castor
and took y*' oath and rec** Passports. By order of B'
G* Murray I examined several of them to gain what
intelligence I could concerning the Motions of M*^
248 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Amherst & Haviland and those of Levi, Bourlamec
and Boucainville viz* that Mons' de Levi with about
1000 regular troops including the Cavalry and troupes
de Marine or Colonie were posted at the parish of
Bertier — that Mons' Bourlemec had been at the Island
of S' Francois but since had join'd the body entrenched
at y* Mouth of y* River Sorel abreast of our fleet in
Number 2500 Men, 1000 of which were regulars the
rest Indians & Canadians — That Mons' Boucainville
with a 1000 regular troops & 3000 Canadians besides
a very few Indians were posted at Isle aux Noix — that
a great firing was heard from that place on Sunday
the 10*^ best part of y* Morning. That it was taken
and afterwards to the Contrary — that several pieces of
Cannon had been brought down from Montreal to y*
Post at Sorel to have been mounted on y* Fortified
Island, but being than they expected they returned
them back again immediately Bank and Battring Plank
being already put on y* Island for that purpose. As
to Major Gen^ Amherst's motions by the way of Katara-
quil I could not then learn anything of. This after-
noon arrived 2 Flat Bottom'd Boats from Lord Rollo's
Fleet with accounts that the fleet were this side y*
Lake S* Pierre. This day an Express pass'd on y*
North side to M' Vaudreuil with an ace* of 18 vessells
full of troops having pass'd y* Lake to reinforce Brig'
Gen* Murray. This Evening 7 vessells of Lord Rollo's
fleet appeared in sight. At y* same time the troops
re-imbark*d leaving their Fascines on y* Island. A
sufficiency of flat bottom'd boats wanting and there are
not enough to embark i of y* troops. The Fleet that
appear'd this Evening came to the Southward of y*
Island that was fortified having came the South
Channell and the South Side of Lake S' Peter the
proper Channell. Remark. A Canadian being ask*d
what was their people's opinion of Maj'or General
Amherst his answer was ,
17***. This Morning the fleet j'oin'd us off" the River
Sorel at 6 o'clock this Morning — the i" and 2^ Brigade
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 249
weigh'd the whole fleet together under way & came to
an anchor between Bartier & La Noraye, as the fleet
sail'd up 500 troops march'd down the parishes of
L'Anoraye & Bertier, and this afternoon observed 2
light field pieces of ordnance drawn by 2 Horses 2 each
moving upwards and one Comp^ of Regulars faced
with Blue for y* escort 3 small bodies of Cavalry 20 in
each quartered between these 2 villages — Observed by
his retinue an Officer of Distinction on horseback ap-
pearing to give Directions to several of the Troops.
This day a Deserter escaped from the Ennemy of the
Regiment of Marine who agreed with the accounts the
Canadians gave us at y* Island of S* Ignace — Signified
that Monsieur Levi sent a body over to Sorel and went
with them to join Mons' Bourlemac. He said that
Mons' Boucainville has 2 Battalions of regulars at Isle
aux Noix and that Mons' Pichot has the Command
that is intended to oppose Major Gen* Amherst He
says each soldier has 60 rounds and those 2 Guns that
were . That their Powder was very bad.
18***. The Wind foul and the Current yery strong.
This day the General removed from on board his
Majesty's Ship the Porcupine to a Merch' Man called
the ** True Briton " fitted up and to carry 20 Guns.
19*— Wind foul.
— 20* — Received directions from the Chief Engi-
neer to order the 2 vessells with our Breach and Tools
on board to fall down opposite the Mouth of the River
Sorel for the delivery of tools &*= for making more fas-
cines on y* Island of S Ignace.
21*'. At Break day the 2 Schooners with Tools fell
down and join'd the ''True Briton" where was the
Brigade Commanded by Lord Rollo. At 8 o'clock
this Morning the whole Brigade landed 500 of which
were employed in making Fascines at S Ignace. At
2 o'clock the whole were order'd immediately to em-
bark on the Flat Bottom'd Boats and to make a feint
at the post at Sorel, for which 6 Boats row'd in near
musket shot of the post, and 3 row'd down about 2
250 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
miles below it opposite a thicket and then returned to
their respective Transports. At 1 1 o'clock this Night,
the Louisbourg Battalions composed of the Grena-
diers of the 22** & 40* Regiments & a Detachment
from each besides making 300 men with the Compan-
ies of Light Infantry from each of the above Regi-
ments all under y* Command of Major Scott rendez-
vous'd alongside of the •* True Briton *' and at | an
hour after row'd down in 2 divisions one within a mile
of the Ennemies post at the Mouth of the River and
the other about 6 miles below that in order to destroy
the parish of Sorel which was effected by setting fire
to the Houses in N*" about 32, Each party leaving
one house standing to fix a Placard or Manifesto on.
Two Canadians were taken and agree that Mon' Bour-
lamac had set out about 2 days past for Isle aux Noix
leaving at Sorel 30 Regulars and 200 Canadians and
that y* Body under y* Command of Colonel Haviland
was in motion. This the Day the Packet Schooner
sail'd for Quebec to Escort two victuallers to the fleet.
22°**. A party order'd this day on Shore to cut Fas-
cines on y* Island and a small proportion sent on board
severall of the Transports of Lord Rollo's Brigade.
23"*. At 9 o'clock this morning signal was made
from the "True Briton" for the fleet to weigh and
come to an anchor abreast of the Church of L'Anoraie.
about one Battalion of Regulars followed us up on the
North Shore. This Night a Schooner was arm'd and
sent down to Quebec to second the Packet Schooner.
24* This Morning the Broad Pendant was hoisted
on board the " True Briton " from his Majesty's Ship
the Porcupine. Brig' Gen* Murray received Dispatches
from England by the Vengeance that arrived at Que-
bec, and this night sent an Express off to Quebec in
order to forward his Dispatches immediately to Eng-
land. This afternoon passed by on the South Shore
two Battalions of Regulars This Day some of the
Troops landed at Isle le Plat.
25* Signal was made for sailing but the wind fail-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 25 1
ing the fleet were obliged to come to an anchor. Sev-
eral attempts made this day but the Current could not
be stem'd. As the River is narrow opposite the
Church of L'Anoraie where it is 9 fathoms of water
from whence you have a view of Upland thickly
cover'd with wood to the Right and on the Left
L'IsIe le Plat over which may be seen some very ex-
tensive blue mountains L'Isle le Plat is an Island lay-
ing obliquely in the River about one Mile in Length
cover d with high Grass and Copse & very marshy
round it. Both North and South shore lined with reg-
ular troops and a few Canadians. The Wind foul and
remained at Anchor.
26* At 5 o'clock this Morning the whole fleet
weigh'd. The floating Batteries and Flat Boats a
head Sounding^, obliged to sail in a line on account
of the ChanneTl being so Narrow. This night a Pris-
oner was taken off" y* North Shore that mentioned
Maj' Gen* Amherst was at Isle aux Gallots.
27* At 5 o'clock this morning the fleet weigh'd
and sail'd with a fresh Breeze to the Island of Santa
Therese and there anchored. This day a Flat Bot-
tomed boat sailing very near the Shore as the Chan-
nell was narrow they were fired on by 7 Regulars up-
on which they row'd on shore and 3 sailors jump'd out
of the Boats and pursued them and took four the
other three got off" and sail'd off" with them. This Night
400 Light Infantry were order d on Shore to Scour
the Island and take Post in several of the Houses, an
Engineer and Some Carpenters were order'd to
crenelle them & make them Defensible.
28* The fleet weigh'd and sail'd to the upper end
of the Island of S** Therese and the Arm'd Vessells
opposite to pointe au Tremble on the Island of
Montreal.
29'** Half the Army landed on one of the Islands
of Foin or Boucherville to make fascines or rather em-
ploy'd in making of Houses, Cutting of Brush and
pickets ready for the next day.
252 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
30* This Day 1000 Men landed on the same
Island & cut 1400 Fascines. This Night orders were
given for an Attack on the Post at Varenne's on the
South Shore by 3 divisions. The Center consisting
of the light Infantry & Rangers supported by 5 Corps
of Grenadiers.
31" Just before day light, the Post at Varennes
was carried consisting of 25 regulars and 50 Cana-
dians Commanded by Cap' De Callon of the Reg' of
Languedoc. We took 20 Prisoners without the loss
of a man. Half the Army order d to morrow to cut
Fascines. On Examining Several of the Prisoners
Isle aux Noix was agreed by all to have been taken,
that the 22** day of August we opened our Batteries
in a Swamp that enfiladed the whole work, on which
M' Boucanville whose body consisted of 3000 men
abandoned it leaving only a Captain of 50 regulars. At
day light this Evening all the Engineers landed at
Varennes & reconnoitred that post in order to make
Works sufficient to encamp the whole army in. But
not begun, as the necessary materials were not pre-
pared.
Sepf" 1". Signal was made for sailing but soon
after as the wind fail'd the fleet came to an anchor.
Sep^ 7^ Made our descent from S' Therese to the
Isl** of Montreal.
Sep 8. The Town Capitulated and Canada sub-
dued. . . .
VII.
Journal 1764 — to Niagara — John Montresor.
December I6'^ 1763 This day arrived at New
York in 26 days from Detroit with Dispatches from
Col Gladwin to the Commander in Chief and of the In-
dians having proposed peace and accepted of, mean-
ing the Nations under the Command of Pondiac viz' —
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 253
The Ottawas — Jibbeways — Wiandots and Powtewat-
tamies ; of their having dispersed and sent in some
Prisoners. Delivered the dispatches to the Hon^**
General Gage, Sir Jeffrey Amherst having sailed from
the Hook for England November 19* made my Re-
port to Lieut Col Eyre Chief Engineer.
Expedition.
April 7*^ 1764. Received my orders, proceeded
accordingly on the Expedition against the Savages by
the rout of Ontario and Niagara the whole under the
command of Co^ John Bradstreet* My orders verbal
viz* — on my arrival at Albany to put myself under the
Command of Co^ Bradstreet — and embarked on board
an Albany Sloop and Set sail, at one o'clock this day.
April ii*\ I arrived this morning at Albany at 10
o'clock: waited on Co^ Bradstreet and put myself
under his command, as Chief Engineer on the Expe-
dition.
14*. I made out a proportion of Stores for the Ex-
pedition with Intrenching tools A*^ as yet neglected
till now.
15* I made the demand from Co* Bradstreet. Re-
ceived an Order for drawing a Draught of Lake Erie
showing the Distances both by scale and figure for the
Direction of the Army in the Expedition.
April 18*** — Completed and delivered in the
Draught of Lake Erie to Co* Bradstreet. This day
left this place L* Godwin and the Detachment of Ar-
tillery to join above for the Expedition. I sent by
that opportunity the Artillery Dispatches from Col
Gladwin. By order of Co* Bradstreet I ordered 124
• Major-General Bradstreet was born in 171 1. He served in the ex-
pedition against Louisbourg in 1745, as Lieutenant-Colonel in Pepper-
ell's York Provincials, Maine, obtained a Captaincy in 1757 in the Royal
American Regiment, and in 1758 was under Abercrombie in his unsuc-
cessful attack on Fort Ticonderoga. August 27, 1758, he captured Fort
Frontenac. He became Major-General May 25, 1772, and died in New
York, September 25, 1774.^
254 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Tents out of the Store for to be painted with Tar.
also sent to Capt Standish to make Rocket and fire
works for signals and sent him up Sulphur and Anti-
mony.
22"* Received orders from Col Bradstreet to pro-
ceed to Niagara carrying place, to fortify it, so as to
keep up that Communication — fortify the landing and
entrench the navy-yard & to deliver his Dispatches to
Co** Campbell and Browning and Major Duncan and
to proceed from Ontario with 300 Canadians, 250
light Infantry — the whole under the Command of Cap'
Mongomery ; so to Niagara in Boats — 550 Men.
23"* Received Instructions and proceeded at 12
o'clock this day on horseback to the Willagars 12
miles above Schnectaday on the Mohawk River, could
not cross the Ferry a high wind.
24'** — Set off and arrived at Tyers within 6 miles of
Fort Herkimer.
25*^ Continued (one of my horses knocked up) ar-
rived this night at Fort Schuyler. Refused fresh
Horses both by Herkimer and Justice Franks and
could not proceed further.
26* — Proceeded and arrived at i past 1 1 this morn-
ing at Fort Stanwix and delivered Col Campbell his
Dispatches and forwarded by Express Major Dun-
can's. Found myself uneasy on account of my Fall
on my Breast
27*** Set off at 9 o'clock this morning for Oneyda
Lake on horseback and arrived there at i after 2
o'clock. The Boats all absent Express to Fort
Brewerton — Heavy rains. —
28*** A Gale of wind at East and no Boats returned.
Heavy rains.
29*** — A Gale of wind at East — arrived from Fort
Stanwix some Batteaux loaded with baggage of the
1 7"^ 4&^ & So*** Reg? — Arrived late this night.
30* Proceeded from the Royal Block House, in a
heavy loaded Batteaux. Squally weather and rain the
wind to the Southward & drove us on shore in a
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 255
flurry, it lulling, continued my rout & arriv'd in the
night at Fort Brewerton. Heavy rains.
May I'* — Set off and arrived by water at the Onon-
daga Falls. Heavy rains, very high waters & the
Banks overflow'd & much land drown**.
2nd Proceeded by water and in one hour & \ arrived
at Ontario. No Canadians troop arriv'd. No vessels
arr^ from Niagara. No Indians yet arriv'd.
3"* Applied to Major Duncan to proceed with Capt
Montgomery's Detachment of the 17* &^ but recom-
mended by him to stay and take the 300 Canadian
Troops under my Command to Niagara when they
arrive here. Arriv'd this day the Ordnance Boats with
10 Brass Six Pounders compleat.
4*^ Preparing the Draughts with Camp Equipage
and Ammunitions, Arms, and Provisions to proceed
to morrow for Niagara. Nine York Provincials De-
serted, i
5* Set off the Detachment under the Command
of Cap' Montgomery consisting of 150 of the 17'**
Draughted from the 55*** and York Provincials in Bat-
teaux at 5 o'clock this morning. 2 vessels here in
sight this afternoon. Wrote to Co* Bradstreet and
sent return of Tools from Ontario. Arr** at 1 1 this
night the Snow and Sloop Missassagues from Ni-
agara sailing from there May 3**. Brought accounts that
the Sloop had arriv'd from Detroit loaded and
departed back from there and that 2 Senecas had
been in at Niagara to assure the Garrison of their
peaceful Disposition.
6* — By the accounts from Niagara the schooner
Victory sail'd from Detroit April 20* The river of
Detroit was open the first day of March.
j^th Arrived the Schooner from Niagara. Went off
the mail from hence for new york.
8* Arriv'd the Snow Johnson from Niagara — fired
a Gun from the fort to bring her too.
ID* Arriv'd 2 Batteaux with Ordnance, stores viz*
Musket, Shot and Cartridges &c &c. Arrived 2 Bat-
256 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
teaux with Corn for the Cattle (oxen) and some of the
Company of Teamsters, the Carriages and guns (6
pounders) 10 light and 2 heavy putting on board the
Mohawk. Snow for Niagara. Came in this Night
102 Batteaux with French Batteaux Men which
brought 2600 Barrels of Pork & Flour & 5 companies
of Canadian Troops by Major Rigaudville, 2 Compa-
nies of Quebec, 2 of Montreal & one of 3 Rivers. One
Major 5 Captains, 10 Lieutenants, 310 men and a
Priest, 22 days since they left Montreal. Canadian
Volunteers encamped on the Orange Side.
II* I received the Command (by order of Major
Duncan) of the Battalion of Canadian Volunteers
which arrived here without tent. Kettle or Tomahawk.
12*** Saird for La Galette the 102 Batteaux. A
fair wind and right across the lake. The Canadian
Volunteers exercised this afternoon for firing at marks.
Went off an express this day down the country. The
Canadian volunteers furnish'd at Montreal with 15
rounds of Powder & Ball & 100 in Bulk.
13*. Arriv'd an Express from Detroit by the way
of Niagara, all well. May 2"**. Prisoners return'd by
the Sandusky Indians. Arrived this Evening 2 offi-
cers of Artillery & 10 Batteaux with Ordnance and
Engineers stores for the Expedition. From Fort
Stanwix last.
14* At Daybreak this morning took under my
command the Battalion of Canadian Volunteers and
proceeded for Niagara. The Wind foul S. W, with a
swell, however reach'd the Bay of Goyougouin on
Cayugas, what we call little Sodus, 10 leagues from
Oswego and Encamped on the Presque-Isle as being
the most defensible ; appointed my guards-parole —
Bradstreet. This night a gale came on & hauled up
my Boats, 20 in Number, with 5 days Provisions and
40 Spare Barrels, 20, of Flour and 20 of Pork. The
Guard 50 men planted chiefly at the Presque-Isle of
the Island.
15*. A Gale of Wind at n w and a very high Sea.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 257
Detain'd this* whole day. Saw the Schooner from
Niagara steering for Fort Ontario. Fixed my Guard
and planted my sentries as before. Parole this night
Canada.
i6*\ A Storm at N W, obliged to remain encamped
Still. Guards as before. Sent an Indian hunting —
Parole Belle-Chasse.
I7'\ At 5 o'clock this morning proceeded. The
wind lulline but still foul and gained with difficulty 9
leagues, obliged to encamp or> account of a gale of
wind at W with a very high Sea. Two Batteaux
filled on our Landing and one obliged to put in one
league behind. A fight occurred this day between a
Captain of a Quebec Company and a Lieutenant of
the Montreal Companies. The Captain was wounded
in the Sword arm. I put 'em both under an arrest. I
observed on our departure this morning from our En-
campment 3 Canoes filled with Savages crossing the
Bay. On our Arrival at this Encampment, observed
some smoke ahead. I detached a party A la decou-
vert, consisting of an officer, 2 Canadians and a savage
of the Nation of the Renards. As we received Several
Waves in the Bottom, ordered a survey of the Mens
Arms : discharged Some & Completed the whole fit
for immediate Service. Ordered a Captain for the
day ; mounted 50 men & a subaltern for Guard & out
lying Picket. Parole '* La Nouvelle York." The de-
tachment falling short of provisions of the 5 days
issued at Ontario. The men indolent, careless of their
arms & slovenly service, falling sick daily overeating
themselves and sleeping in the Sun on the bare
ground.
18* May. Proceeded at 7 o'clock this morning,
the wind fair & N E reached the Riviere au BcEuf 20
leagues further. I should have gone on all night had
not the Detachment been distressed for Provisions.
Mounted my Guards as usual— Parole Quebec. En-
camped on the East Entrance of the River, sent a
scout round and an Indian to hunt
17
258 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
19* Sunday. Set off an hour before daylight and
arrived at Niagara this night about 16 leagues left my
Detachment. Encamped at Johnson's Landing four
miles to the Westward of the Fort. The Lake this
Day very calm, what wind chiefly West.
20* Arrived the Detachment of Canadians which I
left encamped at Johnson's Landing.
21"* Nothing Extraordinary. The Men of the Army
employed in making up Cartridges &*' for the Expedi-
tion.
22"** Set off the Detachment of Canadian Volun-
teers. Sent an assistant Engineer as Overseer with
them to Navy Island. Arrived the Johnson with
Stores &^
23"**. Sent the Canadians their tents & Ammunition,
10 Barrels of Powder 100 lbs each. Sent up Rope
for the Cradles, the white rope rotten also tools to the
landing.
24'**. Arrived the Sloop Messessagaras with cattle &
stores & some Huron Indians from Ontario. Sailed for
Ontario the Snows Mohawk & Johnson 6 Batteaux with
Guns & naval Stores set out for the lower Landing.
25* Set off 5 Batteaux for the loading with naval
Stores. I set off this day for the Carrying place. Re-
connoitered the Ground & fixed on the place for the
first Entrenchment to cover the cradles on the top of
the Mountains. I imagine the Cradles will not answer
the purpose intended : should they ever succeed in its
construction as it must labour too much particularly the
upper one.
26***. Arrived those Jibbeway Chiefs. Sailed the
Sloop for Ontario. The lower cradle broke down this
day by which 14 Barrels of Provisions were lost in the
River. The Canadians employed in cutting of Brush,
cutting of Poles, for a Shed for the Provisions on the
Mountain. A Council held this Day at Niagara. 3
Jibbeway Chiefs present. Their nations back of To-
ronto E & N Side of Lake Huron in N** 11, beg for
peace — gave a Belt and Calumet.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 259
ly^. Went up to the Landing 8 Batteaux with 152
Barrels of Provisions. A congress here now between
the Mohawks and Jibbeways. The Mohawks gave
for Answer of yesterday's Council that to make haste
for they should Soon shut the door and treat them as
Ennemies if they did not attend the General Council
here & make Peace This night the rest of the Indians
Set off for the Portage, almost all Drunk.
28*. Proposed to Co* Browning since I cannot get
assistance for Cap* Montgomery's party on Navy
Island to furnish me with whatever men he can spare
from the Garrison to entrench the carrying place so
that I may be justified in case it should be cut off by
the Ennemy having daily represented the consequences
& shown my Instructions from Co* Bradstreet. As
Axes, that most essential article ever neglected are so
much wanted here, took upon me to purchase 250
from the Traders for the King at 7/ each New York
Currency. Silver Heels a Seneca Indian and Du
Quougne the Interpreter set off this day for the Sene-
cas's Castle and to be back in 10 days : 3 more Jibbe-
ways arrived. The 80'** Reg' practising at a mark. 2
Subs & 60 men ordered for the work in the carrying
place & to proceed tomorrow in consequence of my
representation. Winds at N. E. Fresh for near a
week past. Preparing the fixed ammunition for the
Expedition.
29*. no men 46*** ordered to reinforce the car-
rying place. This morning they set off & arrived
there. I proceeded this morning & arrived on it with
a party & reconnoitred it & fixed on 2 plans for re-
doubts, the first at 800 yards, the 2"*^ at 1000 yards
further. My Command this day on the Portage con-
sisted of 656 men viz' Regulars Canadians Provincials,
Indians Teamsters & Artificers. Parole — D'EtroiL
30*. Proceeded at Daylight this morning with 4
Companies of Canadian volunteers, one Serjeant &
20 of the 80* & 46 and established my Posts on the
Portage, without any Interruption notwithstanding
26o JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the various reports. Gave the Parole this night —
Amherst Arrived 2 light 6 pounders which 1 posted,
one at the Camp Guard on a rising Ground fronting
the woods & the other up on the Edge of the precipice
to scour the cradles, least the Ennemy should make
any attempt to destroy them. Arrived at Niagara the
Snow Mohawk with Provisions &c.
31*' — Continued on my redoubt on the Portage.
Provisions constantly escorting to Little Niagara.
Arrived this day the Snow Johnson and the Schooner.
Gave the Parole this night — London. The former re-
doubt this night completed.
yune i" This morning at 5 o'clock I proceeded
with an escort of i Serjeant & 10 regulars & 6 Cana-
dians for Flankers & marked out 3 more redoubts ex-
tending within 3 miles & i of Little Niagara, this
without the least interruption from the ennemy. Cap'
Montgomery arrived here from Navy Isl** and took the
Command of the whole troops upon this carrying
place. At 7 o'clock the different parties assembled
and took possession of the posts. I marked out an-
other work, the further one began on with 90 men and
a Cap* of Co* Montgomery's Detachment from Navy
Island. Provision daily crossing the Portage.
2"^ I went off at daylight with an Escort from the
Principal Intrenchment of one Serjeant, one corporal
& 20 regulars and marked out the 3 last redoubts
within 800 yards of Fort Schlosser or little Niagara.
Our Indians made a scout of 12 miles round the carry-
ing place through the woods by 2 different Parties.
Two more field Brass 6 pounders arrived here. Sailed
from Niagara 2 vessels for Ontario. As the Redoubts
are completed they are immediatly garrison'd.
3^? The 3 different parties I set to work on the 3
new redoubts without any interruption. A party em-
ployed in assisting in finishing the cradles others in
making a wharf of Log Work at the lower landing :
others on Navy Island assisting the Ship Builders &
covering them, others carrying on the Works at the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRKSOR, 26 1
principal Entrenchment others escorting Provisions
across the carrying Place and the remainder Camp
Guards and covering parties. At present at Fort
Schlosser 700 Barrels of Provisions.
4*** Superintended all my different Works on the
carrying Place, the Redoubt nearest little Niagara
being situated on a Rocky Ground was obliged to con-
struct a Log work instead of a stockade. Obliged
thr** the course of the service to cross this Portage
over 6 times a day. This being the King's Birth day
we fired our Field Artillery as did the Grand Fort &
Fort at the Little landing. Some Rockets were fired
at Niagara & Bonfires were made in our Camp on the
Precipace. Provisions crossed the Portage now with-
out escort the first Time.
5*. The Canadians returned to the Camp at the
Portage Entrenchment, the other 2 at the most central
point for clearing the Brush on the Portage. Directed
an astronomical survey with a plane Table from Niag-
ara to the Fort at Little Niagara, for the several works
carried on here since my arrival. Arrived the other 6
Brass Pounders & Boats of Provisions at the Fort at
the lower landing. I went to the Fort this night.
6* Completed the Redoubts on the carrying place.
Employed 2 Companies of Canadians in cutting the
Brush 150 yards of each side of the road the length of
the Portage. Fixed another Gun in the 3"* Redoubt.
Boats as usual with Provisions & crossing the carrying
place by the Ox Teams. The tracks of 4 Ennemy
Indians discovered in the Woods. Orders from the
Fort that the Detachment 46* & 80'** Encamped here
to return to the Fort Except 35 men & one Officer.
I returned from the Fort to the principal Entrench-
ment on the Portage this morning. The wharf at the
Lower Landing Fort finished this afternoon. The
Detachment of the Artillery completing their Ammu-
nition at Niagara and their complement of musket car-
tridges. Crossed the Portage 4 Times.
7*. As before. Our Artificers 5 in Number. A Total
262 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Discord in the Service at Niagara Fort & in all orders
from it. Disunion prevalent more Troops than are
necessary yet none to spare. In short Dissension
predominant.
8'** Three Ennemy Indians discovered — pursued but
not taken. Completed the Principal Bastion of the
Crown work of the principal Entrenchment & marked
out the Grand Store Houses & cut my Timbers,
arrived De Couagne being encamped there. Collected
my Tools & planted them in the Grand Bastion.
Crossed 2 of the Portages as usual. Began on the
Grand Store house.
9* arrived the Snow Mohawk & Sloop Massass-
geras at Niagara with 39 Horses & 30 Indians &
Provisions. Unfortunately the Indians after passing
our camp never sent any word back after passing the
first Redoubt on the Portage until they were near the
2*^, thought they were near enough to the Indian En-
campment & as usual began to salute, being loaded
with Ball which whistled through the Indian Encamp-
ment. They were alarmed and took to the trees &
the Garrison taking our new friendly Indians to be
Ennemies fired, shot 3 through the legs. I ran by
desire of Cap' Montgomery and had the Canadians
under arms & cut through the woods back to the
portage as the Cannon fired & gave the alarm. Work
as usual, the Canadians making 10.000 Difficulties as
usual, did not work ^ the day, on account of Provision,
heat Sick &*" &*". Received a letter from Col** Brad-
street an order arrived, at 10 this night Capt Mont-
gomery 168 Canadians & the 17* to proceed to the
Rapids & major Riquanville with the Remainder of
the Canadians to proceed to navy Island, for the pro-
tection of the Shipping, arrived this night here, up at
the Principal Entrenchment the ammunition for the
navy, arriv'd the 4 vessels from Ontario with 30
Indians, Provisions, & 39 Horses for the Portage.
10*. Cap' Montgomery decamped with 168 Cana-
dians to escort the Powder. Cap' Arnot, 4 Sub"* Serj'
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 263
Drums, & loo took post here from the Fort to protect
& assist on the Portage. All the of5ficers attended on
the Indian Encampment to reconcile matters with the
Indians.
II* Employed my carpenters in making the Gates for
the Redoubts & compleating the Loop holes. Masons
on the Great Oven, arrived Ammunition, ordered it in
the principal Bastion, also my tools for the Expedition.
Sailed the Mohawk & Johnson. Teams with Provisions
pass as usual without escort. Rained Brimstone.
12*. Sailed the Johnson for Ontario & the Sloop to
the Detroit. The lower landing for Ballast. A party
employed mending the Roads. Ennemies Tracks again
discovered. Indians imagine we shall have a stroke in
a day or two. The wounded Indians carried down
to the Fort.
13*. Carried some Barrels of Provisions over the
Portage, and more to pass so that the Post may be
thoroughly supplied with one year & ^'s provision.
On an average passes the Portage 150 Barrels per
Day. To day passed 175. Indians got drunk in their
Encampment and were going to kill Montour. Arrived
2 Seneca Indians & 2 Squaws from their Castle.
Sloop sailed. 120Q Barrels of Provisions at the lower
landing at present.
14***. Provisions arriv** from Niagara as usual. Cross
the portage as before. Arrived more ammunition.
Finished the ovens in my left demi-Bastion. Arriv**
Several Senecas. accounts that the 120 Delaware en-
campt at their Castle have proceeded to Detroit, Sir
W" Johnson having refused their Belt. Surveying
from Niagara upwards taking in the River & Road
&c &c.
I5*^ Arrived the Mohawk and Schooners both with
Provisions from Ontario. Provisions as usual cross
the Portage. The Mohawk sailed to the Fort at
the Lower landing to unload & ballast. I went down
through the woods to Niagara, Continued my survey
on a Plane Table 1000 feet to the Inch.
264 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
16'**. Returned from Niagara to the Principal En-
trenchment. Sailed down from the Fort, at the lower
landing the Mohawk. Began surveying with the plane
table on this portage. 294 Barrels of Provisions
Crossed the Portage this day.
17*. Continued my survey. Sail** the Schooner for
Ontario. A Storm at S. W. the whole day & night.
Sailed the Mohawk for Ontario. The Cattle all halted
this day from Work.
iS'**. Provisions crossed from hence down to Niagara,
and a boat load of English Stores this day. The
Indians went from hence down to Niagara to a Con-
gress, arriv** there 20 Jibbeways. a Gale at S. W.
The Snow Johnson appeared but blown off. Arrived
the Schooner from Detroit for Provisions.
19*** The Teams with provisions past the Portage
as usual & still uninterrupted by the enemy. A party
of a subaltern & men continued on mending the Roads
on the Portage & repairing the Bridges. 250 Barrels
of Provisions went over this day.
20***. Provisions crossed the Portage as before also
26 more Barrels of Powder & some Engineers stores
chiefly entrenching Tools. The 3 double Cradles &
several Crabs or Capstans compleated. Two vessels
now launched from Navy Island and the 3** on the
Point. By advice from the Rapids the Schooner first
launched got safe up the Rapids & into Lake Erie.
Cap* Montgomery of the 17'** with the Detachment of
that Corps & 168 Canadians still at the Rapids where
they have fortified themselves on the East shore. One
sailor drowned from the schooner. This Day the
Detachment under the Command of the Captain of the
46* together with 50 Indians escorted the ammunition
destined to remain in the Upper Posts. Powder in
Barrels 25 which with t2 before makes j^^j in the whole.
The upper cradle work'd & answers. Went over this
day 302 Barrels of Provisions exclusive of ammunition
& 552 Barrels have been carried over with in these
two days.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 265
21". The weather has been very blustering for this
week past, the winds prevailing chiefly both on the
5 and W. Provisions crossed over as usual without
escorts. Went through the woods to Niagara,
Arrived Boat at the Fort at the Lower Landing with
Provisions.
22"**. Returned to Camp by land from Niagara, dur-
ing which time a man of the Royal Artillery was killed
6 scalped by a small party of the Ennemy, who left
their Tomahawk in his skull — it appears from the
weapen that they are Alleghany Indians : this happened
between the 4*** and the 5'** redoubt I constructed and a
mile from our Indian Encampment of 100 men, who
have set 30 in immediate pursuit, but not succeeding
they returned & this night to the Number of 60 took
3 Batteaux & pushed up the Rapids into Lake Erie
& to Buffalo Creek proposing intercepting them there,
where they must have left behind their Canoes. The
alarm was given by the Cannon on the Portage.
Provision crossed the carrying place, as before with
Provision from the Fort to that of the lower Carrying
Place.
23** Provisions crossed as before, over this day &
in all now at the Fort at little Niagara 4610 Barrels.
This carrying place from the Fort at Niagara is by
mensuration 25620 yards or 14 miles & 98 yards. The
Portage from the Fort, at the lower landing to Little
Niagara is 5 miles & 1200 yards. The Camp of the
Captain & 46* and the 100 men removed towards the
center of the Portage to be more contiguous to where
the roads are now mending. Arrived from the Fort
to the little landing 6 Boats of Provisions which rowed
up the West Side of the River. Finished my Report,
for Co^ Bradstreet of the works carried on here under
my Directions since my arrival here the 19*** of June to
the present time. Arrived the Snow Johnson from
Ontario with Provisions and Baggage of the 17*^ Reg'
destined to garrison the Posts above. I purchased
from the Indian Traders a Quantity of Large Toma-
266 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
hawks for the Crown as there were so few axes in the
Store for the Expedition.
24*. Provisions arriv^ from Niagara in Boats &
crossed the Portage as usual without an Escort. The
Provisions that arrived in the Johnson badly hooped
so as to entirely require new coopering which retards
the Ox teams. Our Indians that went in Pursuit of
the Ennemy returned unsuccessfuly about 1 1 this night,
having taken different Routes & divided themselves
in 2 Bodies. In the night as some of our men spear-
ing fish above the Falls, eager after the Sport were
insensibly led into the stream, but escaped. The
weather very sultry and close.
25*. The Cattle all halted this day. The detach-
ment of the Captain and 100 men this day decamped
from the center of the Portage and encamped nearer
little Niagara Fort as the repairing the roads is near
accomplished & being most contiguous towards the
Protection of the Cattle that always graze there. That
bag of the Ennemy found on their tracks known to be-
long to the Delawares, inhabiting the east side of
Sandusky. Accounts from Ontario that the York
Provincials deserted one night 1 7 which had they been
sent here would'nt happened of our Indians here.
Went out ten Indians on the Ennemy's old tracks.
26*** Waggons and Teams employed on the Portage
in transporting Provisions and the Baggage and Stores
of the 1 7^ Reg*. I sent my orders to the Storekeeper
at the Fort at Little Niagara to embark the Iron and
nails aboard the new vessels for D'Etroit. This day
sailed the Johnson for Ontario and arrived here the
Schooner from thence with Provisions. Returned the
10 Indians from their scout and found the Ennemies
Tracks were directed towards the Jennessees Castles.
Continued on mending the Road. A captain and 50
men of the 46* and 80*** Regiments.
27*. Finding the necessity of a wharf to be built at
little Niagara I set off with the Master Carpenter and
marked it out for the loading the long boats. I pro-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 267
ceeded to Navy Isl** and embarked some tools and
materials on board the Sloop Charlotte for the Expedi-
tion : the Schooner is at the foot of the Rapids yet.
The 2 new Schooners carry 200 Barrels each and the
old one 200 which makes 1 100 each trip. Still con-
tinued to mend the Roads on the Portage. Provisions
crossed as usual. This afternoon sailed the Schooner
for Ontario.
28'**. I returned to the Camp. Provisions crossed
the Portage as usual. The Sloop at Navy Island now
loading with Provisions. She is constructed chiefly for
the navigation of Lake Huron. Arrived at Niagara
1 1 canoes with 40 Ottawas to attend the Congress to
make peace. Ordered to encamp with the Jibbeways
on the opposite side of the River. By this days Cal-
culation there are 4791 Barrels of Provisions now at
and from Fort Schlosser to the Rapids including what
is at present on board the Sloop at Navy Island and
the Schooner at the foot of the Rapids. Continued
on mending the roads. Employed a party for putting
the Tools in order for the Expedition.
29.*. The Cattle halted this Day. Arrived a party
of Western Indians at the Fort to attend the Con-
gress. Continued repairing the roads. Completed
all the works of the principal Entrenchment Except
the Provision Magazine. Continued this party in re-
pairing the Tools &c.
30'** Went over the remainder of the ammunition
across the Portage, for the Expedition under an Es-
cort of a Captain & 50 men, a Cap* Lieut & 25 artil-
lerymen & 50 Indians. Arrived at the lower Landing
4 Batteaux with Peas. Winds from the west Quarter
this week past. The party on the Portage of a Cap-
tain & 100 men decamped this day in order to encamp
near Fort Schlosser to protect the ammunition and to
assist in making the wharf there of 100 feet in length.
Ox Teams and Waggons remaining halted for want
of Provisions to carry over.
July I*' I sent over the Portage more Tools and
268 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
materials for the Expedition. Ox teams and Waggons
halted no service this day to employ them on. En-
camped on the opposite Side of the River for the
Grand Congress upwards of 90 Ottawas & Jibbeways
Sachems and Warriors.
2°** July. Wrote to Lieu' Brehm the Engineer at
Detroit to purchase Lime, Charcoal &*" for the works
necessary to be carried on there. Began on the great
wharf at little Niagara. Cattle halted for want of Em-
ploy. 2 Senecas Indians set off for the Senecas Cas-
tle. The 2** Schooner got into Lake Erie.
3"*. Carts and waggons still unemployed. Con-
tinued on the wharf^ repairing the Tools for the
Expedition. Our Indians 100 in number remain still
encamped about half way across the Portage as in-
dolent and inactive as ever having never removed
their camp yet. The Ennemy neglected a decisive
blow by cutting off the cattle before the redoubts were
constructed on the Portage. The Schooner that got
up the Rapids last night into the Lake were hauled
up by 1 50 men without the benefit of either wind or
the capstans and loaded with Three hundred Barrels
of Provisions for Detroit.
4*. In the Congress everything peaceable above.
A great Storm at S. W attended with heavy rains,
lightning and thunder. The Cattle inactive still. Sent
artificers over to compleat the large wharf at Little
Niagara, As time permitted began to ribband the
Bastion and 2 Demi-Bastions of the principal Intrench-
ment also on Sodding the Banquettes as the earth has
sunk since its i" construction. This afternoon sail'd
the Sloop Charlotte (loaded with Provisions) from
Navy Island and arrived at the Fort of the Rapids
extremely lucky having received some damage in her
launching. Wind on the Westward quarter 16 days
this day. Detachment at work on the wharf
5*. The Cattle partly employed in carrying Timber
to the wharf, building at Fort Schlosser, the Detach-
ment still Continued on that work. An Alarm this
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 269
Evening, a small scalping party of the enemy fired on
2 of our hunters, only wounding one of them with a
couple of balls. I crossed the carrying place and gave
the necessary directions for the compleating the great
wharf and returned to the principal Intrenchment.
Wind at West.
6*. Arrived from Niagara 6 Batteaux loaded with
60 firkins of Butter and the Proportions of Tools and
materials from the store, which I demanded for the
Expedition. An alarm this morning, one of our friend-
ly Indians discovered a party of the Ennemy in the
skirt of the wood near the road between the Fort at
the little Landing and Niagara. Sent the proportions
of Tools and Materials (arrived this Day) to Fort
Schlosser. Wind at West and the Schooner from
Ontario. I set off for Niagara Fort and arrived there
this afternoon. Return** the 3 Companies of Cana-
dians from the Rapids and encampt at Fort Schlosser.
The Schooner Gjadwin sail'd for Detroit the 4*** & the
same day the Schooner Charlotte was hauled up the
Rapids into Lake Erie.
7*. At 7 o'clock this morning arrived the Mohawk
with Co* Bradstreet on Board — very ill, also the Com-
modore, the Commissary of Musters, Surgeon of the
Hospital and Brigade Major. Their Vessel left On-
tario the 3** at 5 o'clock in the Evening at which time
sailed the Johnson from thence and the troops for the
Expedition and 600 Indians in 75 long Boats, each
Boat carrying 7 Barrels of Provisions, Sloops, several
Batteaux and canoes, carrying down the command of
Co* Campbell of the 17* Reg! Waited on Col Brad-
street and delivered him a detailed report of the sev-
eral works carried on here. Mohawk loaded with
Provisions, Baggage, Rum, and Materials &f This
night received Co* Bradstreet's orders to proceed to
morrow at Daylight to Lake Erie and to Examine the
discharge above the Rapids for a proper Entrepot for
Provisions for facilitating the supplying the vessels for
Detroit &f Received orders to take one of the assist-
270 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ant Engineers with me on the Expedition and the
other to be left to survey the Limits of the Portage
according to treaty and to receive his further Instruc-
tions from Sir William Johnson.
8***. I set ofif at Daylight for Lake Erie and arrived
there at 10 o'clock at night. Arrived the Johnson
with Sir Wm Johnson on board & 30 Indians Chiefs
from Ontario with Provisions & Trader's goods &^
Arriv** the Sloop from Oswegatchi sent there for
Provisions. Arrived with only 130 Barrels, the rest
traders goods. Sail'd for Ontario the Schooner Some
of the Troops straggling were fired on by the En-
nemy.
9***. I proceeded in Lake Erie with a Small Detach-
ment from Cap* Montgomery's party at the Rapids
and proceeded up Buffauo Creek to examine that River
for a post. Cross'd the Lake & marked out a work on
the N West side just at the Discharge for loading the
vessels & arrived back this night on the Portage.
This night at 10 o'clock arriv** the Army in 70 long
Boats St" and encamped on the Bank of the River S. E
of the Fort.
10***. I set off at Daylight & arrived at Niagara &
made my report to Co* Bradstreet with a Sketch of
the situation & a design for fortyfying it — the whole
approved of. The Troops practising at firing at
Marks.
II*. Proceeded for the Portage & so to Fort
Schlosser 12 of the large boats with a Company of
regulars & 4 of Provincials to assist the transporting
of them. The troops practising at marks. 1 7^ Reg*
ordered to proceed over the Portage & up to the
Rapids, but countermanded this evening. The 23"*
day of westerly winds.
12* A Congress held, on the Glacis, with the Sav-
ages viz* Ottawas, Nipissings, & others, Sir W°* John-
son & the 6 nations &^ The large boats transporting
over the Portage. In the evening the Wind at N E,
a reinforcement of Savages of the 6 Nations sent to
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 27 1
the Indians Encampment on the Portage. The Troops
prohibited firing at marks. The long boats repairing
at Fort Schlosser. At present encampt here Savages
of 14 different nations & 1000 in number. Artificers
employed in making carriages to fix the lo light 6
pounders in the Boats. All trade forbid with the
Savages. The vending of Rum entirely prohibited
and a large quantity seiz'd this day for disobedience
of the Orders.
13*. I received orders from Co* Bradstreet to con-
struct another Redoubt on the Portage at the 3 mile
Bridge. An Assistant Engineer & a party of 150
Provincials ordered for that purpose & proceeded
this afternoon. Two Bretes of Majorities fill'd up
this day. A Congress held this day, with the same
Indians as before, Sir W" Johnson present who pre-
sented them with Belts attending every Speech which
Consisted in enquiring into the cause of War, the In-
cendiaries and demanding their young Warriors now
to j'oin the Army to punish them. Also to know who
there is can with safety have their liberty in reestab-
lishing of Missillimakinak for their advantage so well
as ours for the advantage of trade, as no traders for
the future will be admitted to trade but at the Posts
as a protection for their goods & that they must have
certainly felt the bad consequences arising from carry-
ing on a war with the English who Command the
gates of this vast Country 8i that the great King has
forbid us to trade with them until his Savage ennimies
are subdued. The troops detained here waiting the
result of the several Councils. Arrived this day by the
way of Lake Erie 197 Ottawas & Menomenies to at-
tend the Congress. Wind at N E. Employed Car-
penters in Welding & Kneeing the long boats with
Iron hoops. The long Boats transporting over the
Portage but with some difficulty. Artificers still em-
ployed on the carriages. The Jibbewaysand Ottawas
all night in Council among themselves.
I4'\ Gave directions for the Constructing a Bake
272 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR,
•
house (for the Army) at Fort Schlosser, also for fitting
up another oven of masonry at Niagara. The Car-
penters employed as before, the Contracted ones, on
Navy Island Still at work on the Boats for the vessels
& Barges for Individuals. Arrived the Schooner with
Provisions & Artillery stores for Ontario. Set out
one Indian of each Nation to the Senecas Castle to
know why they have not attended the Grand Con-
gress held at Niagara, The Indians as they arrive
received some presents.
15* Saird the Mohawk, Johnson & Messessaques.
I proceeded this morning by land from the Grand
Fort to Fort Schlosser & returned the same night.
The Congress continued. This afternoon sailed the
Schooner for Ontario. Carpenters employed on the
carriages in repairing the long Boats. Indians all
victualled by the Crown.
16*. The Indians in Council granted us the reestab-
lishment of Missillimackinack, also the liberty of build-
ing a Post on the N. W side of the River above the
rapids at the mouth of Lake Erie belonging to the
Jibbeways. Received Co* Bradstreet's orders this
night to proceed with 500 men to establish that Post.
The long Boats transporting over the Portage. Arti-
ficers employed as before. Gave in the design I had
projected for the construction of the Intended Post
above — Approved.
17*** At daylight this morning I proceeded to execute
my last night's orders. All the long Boats now trans-
ported over the Portage. Indians now attending the
Congress 1200 in number, which oblige the 17* &
80* Regiments to remain encampt round the Fort, as
they are never to be trusted. Rum & Oxen given to
the Indians to regale with. 700 Barrels of Provisions
at the Rapids. Arrived at Fort Schlosser at 2 o'clock
& took with me the 2 Battalions of the Connecticut
and Jersey forces being 450 men, & proceeded with
12 large Boats & four Batteaux & arrived this night
at Navy Island & encampt there. Loaded the two
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 273
Boats with 176 Barrels of Provisions & a Propor-
tion of Tools for constructing the proposed work
at the Rapids. Prodigious rains with strong S E
winds. Wrote to Co* Bradstreet for an Assistant
Engineer.
18'''. Proceeded with the Detachment at Daylight &
arrived at the N W. side of the Rapids at the Point of
Lake Erie & encampt there at the Proposed Post.
Employ'd the Party in cutting of Brush & clearing the
Ground. Heavy rains all this day. Wind at S E.
The Ground Extremely rich, covered with Beach,
Hickory, Walnut &*: and the situation apswering Ex-
pectation in every respect for my Fort, Provision Store
& wharf The two Companies of Quarf master Daly's
Detachm* joined us.
19*. Employ'd the Detach^ in cutting of Brushing
& felling of Timber on the proposed spot for building
the Fort This Day arrived the Schooner Glad-
win from Detroit for Provisions. Went with a Party
of Light Infantry up Buffalo Creek. Returned &
crossed the mouth of the Lake to the new Encamp-
ment.
20*. Arrived an Assistant Engineer & 14 Contracted
Carpenters. Came the Schooner Victory from Detroit,
ordered to be loaded with the baggage of the 17*
Reg*. She lost her bowsprit in a gale of wind. Em-
ploy'd the Detachm' in felling the Timber & cutting &
burning the Brush. The Artificers cutting & pointing
the Stockades. From the Inattention of the wood
cutters several accidents happened by the felling of the
timber. Sounded the borders of the Shore & found
it every way answers also did the new channel to the
N westward of the ledge of Rocks. I set off this
afternoon at 0 o'clock for Niagara leaving the neces-
sary directions for carrying on the work with the
design for the same. Cattle as usual transported the
Provisions across the Portage. Arrived a Captain &
45 Men of the 46* at the Rapids. Came in a party to
make Peace. Artificers employed as before.
18
274 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
2i". Arrived at Niagara this morning at ii o'clock
6 made my report to Co* Bradstreet Arrived the
schooner from Ontario with 150 Barrels of Provisions.
Advices from Co' Gladwin commanding at Detroit of
the Sandusky Indians having sent in their Prisoners &
are now sueing for Peace there. Boats constantly
employed in transporting Provisions from Fort Schlosser
to the Rapids. Wind at N E. A Free trade per-
mitted with the Savages but the traffick with Rum
which is ordered to be kept up till their departure
from hence. Directed by Co* Bradstreet to make him
a Report & a Plan of all the works carried on here
since the Ca'mpaign in order to be transmitted to
the Com^ in Chief. Had not the Senecas come in,
an Expedition was forming to attack their Castles.
Remarked that one tenth of all the Provision for the
Army is damaged for want of proper cooperage and
storage.
22"? Came in to the Congress some Seneca Indians
with a number of our deserters & other Prisoners.
Cattle employed in transporting provisions across
the Portage as usual. Artificers employed as be-
fore. Arriv*^ the Mohawk Snow from Ontario with
Provisions. Arriv** the Snow Johnson & Sloop from
Ontario.
23*! Rec"* Co* Bradstreets dispatches to the Comm***
of5ficer of Corps & proceeded at 8 o'clock this morning
for the new post at the Discharge of Lake Erie. Set
off through the woods & arriv'd there at 12 o'clock
this night. The Ox teams & artificers employ*^ as be-
fore. A Party Employ** in putting Fort Schlosser in
repair & draining of it. This morning Co* Bradstreet
at 8 o'clock sent to Sir Wm Johnson for a final an-
swer with regard to the Chiefs of the Senecas, not at-
tending the Congress with the other Nations of
Indians. Ricolet told me, he has seen a Rattlesnake
7 feet long and 22 Rattles and that Hogs are the
means of driving snakes from y* settlements, as they
even eat them.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
275
Indians at the Congress at
Niagara.
July. 1764. Mohawks. 45
Caenawagu^s )
Canyesadaguss j • • • • ^
Schahanies 14
Canajoxeris 57
Oneydas & Tusce- $J
roras 'S
Onendagas ^
Aquagaws §
Senecas -^
Tennessess §
Cayugas g
Menomenies ^
Jibbeways ^
Ottawas c^
Huron & Wyandots . .
Foxes & Sacs 27
women & children ... 1 50
Strength of the Troops ]
leaving Fort Erie au- ^
gust 19*** 1764 )
Mtn
120
117
178
273
146
99
71
16
Royal Artill^ 53
Major Daly's Detach' 323
Major Le Hunter sdo 351
17* Regiment 324
80* do 146
Canadian Batt" .... 1 79
New Jersey do ... . 151
New York do ... . 180
Connecticut do ... . 157
Batteaux men 44
Rangers 36
Carpenters 17
Staff 15
Royal Highlanders & ]
do Americans j ^
Indians 310
Total 1725
Total 2289
Expence of Provisions for the Indians ] ;^25.ooo N.
only at the Congress, Niagara July >■ york Cur-
1 764 ^ ) rency
Besides the presents ^^38.000 Sterling.
Terms of Peace between Col Bradstreet and the
Delawares, Shawanese 6 Nations Indians and Hurons
of Sandusky Concluded at the Cove of Peace on the
South Side of Lake Erie august 12. 1764. Present
10 Indians with Strings and Belts of Wampum, all
intreating for mercy and peace in the name of Four
Nations. — ist, Send in their prisoners — 2nd Liberty
to build Forts all over their country and to send tra-
ders amongst all without molestation & any interrup-
tion whatever & to have Bands within the Distance
of a Cannon shot round each Fort. — 3rd — If any In-
dian should commit any Breach contrary to their terms,
276 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
shall be delivered up at Fort Pitt and tryed by 6 Eng-
lishmen and 6 Indians — 4th Six Hostages for the ful-
filling the whole — Granted. 5th — To take up arms
against our Ennemies jointly with us & separately, as
we will against our Ennemies.
July 24*. 1764. This day arrived 4 Companies of
Light Infantry under the Command of Major Daly
from the opposite side of the Rapids and encamped
on the left of the Line. Carrying on the work for
this Post. The artificers employed in squaring Tim-
ber for the Barracks and Store Houses and Stockades.
The working Party chiefly employed in making a Stone
Revetement for the Polygon of the Fort next the
Lake.
25**". Arrived 3 canoes of distant Western Indians at
this Encampment to attend the Congress at Niagara.
Carrying on the Works for the Post A detachment
of 40 men with arms sent over the opposite side for
Boats, returned again the same day. Sent an Express
Boat off this afternoon to Co* Bradstreet with my Re-
port of the progress of the Works carrying on here.
26***. Sounded the channel along the Discharge of
this Lake to the present post from 5 to 2 Fathoms
water. The working party & artificers employed as
before on constructing the Post. This detachment
consists of 2 Battalions of the Connecticut and Jersey
Provincials, 2 companies of the light Infantry & gren-
adiers of the 55* Reg* & a Captain & 45 of the 46*^
and 20 naval Carpenters. Employed some Carpen-
ters in repairing the long boats for the Expedition for
transporting the Troops.
277 Arrived one of the Long Boats and 3 Batteaux
with a Detachment of artillery & party for fatigue em-
ploy'd in constructing the Post as before. Wind at
SW.
28* — Arrived the Gladwin Schooner from De-
troit, everything quiet. Received Col Bradstreet's
orders for getting the Post defensible by the 30 Ins^
The Party & artificers employed as before. Orders
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 277
received for loading the Schooner with the Baggage
of the 17^ Reg' and the General Hospital and Stores.
Winds for some days at S. W. An Express set off
this evening for F' Schlosser with Dispatches for Ni-
agara. Part of this Detachment employed in loading
the Schooner for Detroit. The vessels sailed down
the new discovered channel near opposite the Post.
The waters this day raised 2 feet perpendicular by the
violent gale from the South West The Boats that
were not sufficiently hauled up here got damaged.
This day a feast given to all the Indians.
29*** July — 1 764. Part of this Detachment employed
in loading the Schooner. This morning the lake fell
to its former surface. Winds at S. west.
30* Arrived 5 Boats & l Long Boat with the Re-
mainder of the Detachment of Artillery and Artillery
Stores consisting chiefly of fixed ammunition, also
some Batteaux with Provisions in Barrels. Came an
order to load the Schooner Gladwin with \ the Artillery
Stores. Employed the working parties and artificers
as before. 100.000 musket cartridges.
31". Two light 6 Pounder Gun Carriages & 250
rounds, 3000 w' musket Ball put on board the Schooner
this day for D'Etroit & 25.000 Musket Cartridges.
Employed the artificers & working parties as before.
Arrived Sloop Charlotte from D'Etroit. This last
vessel had but 48 hours passage, brings advice that
the Powtwattamies of S* Joseph, the Miamis & some
Ottawas on that River still decline making any terms
of Peace. The Post now become defencible.
August i" — 1764. The working parties and artificers
employed as before, part of the Detachment employed
in loading the Sloop Charlotte with Provisions, ammu-
nition and other artillery Stores. The Gale still con-
tinues.
2°^ The Gale still continueing from the same
quarter. The Detachment and artificers employed in
constructing the Post as before, part of the Detach-
ment e.Tiplqyed in loading the vessels with Provisions,
278 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ammunition & Intrenching Tools. This evening sail**
the Sloop & the Schooner for D'Etroit. Wind at N.
East, blew prodigously violent. Finished the ovens
of masonry. Flux prevailing among the men.
3'^ I sent an Express to Col Bradstreet to order up
here Ox teams for hawling out the timber for the Piers
& Wharfs of this Post. Begun to lay the foundations
for the Officers & Soldier's Barracks with Masonry.
Finished levelling the earth for the Parade & founda-
tion of the Provision Store next the lake. Several of
the Troops subject to agues and fevers. Batteaux
arrived here loaded with Provisions.
4* Received dispatches from Col Bradstreet. This
Fort named Fort Erie. Batteaux arrived with pro-
visions. The working parties and artificers employed
as before. Wind fresh at South.
5^*". Continued carrying my works as before. South-
erly winds. The Camp falling sick with Agues,
Fevers, & Fluxes. Some Carpenters employed in re-
pairing the Boats. My artificers consist chiefly of
Carpenters, Masons, Brickmakers, Lime burners,
Shinglemakers & Sawyers. I sent an Express to
Niagara for more materials for this Post.
6***. Arrived the Schooner Boston (arived in 4 days).
All quiet at Detroit, excepting one of our soldiers tom-
ahawking a Wyandot Indian. Wind Strong at South.
Arrived 12 oxen from Niagara for drawing the wharf
& Pine Timber out of the woods. Employed the party
for fatigue & artificers as before, in carrying on the
work. Arrived one Canoe with Indians from Niagara
on their way express to Detroit to assemble the several
Nations there to the Treaty. Employed a party of
my company in repairing some of the long Boats being
very leaky. The waters raised again 18 inches by the
violence of the wind. An Express boat sent off with
account of the arrival of the Schooner. Mornings &
evenings begin to be cold. Heavy rains. Sailed the
vessels with Sir William Johnson and the Indians for
Ontario & Osweofo Lake.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 279
7*. Continued my Party and Artificers as before on
the construction of the Fort. Winds at S. W. strong
& attended with rain. Waters raised 2 feet perpen-
dicular. 1 leavy rain this night.
8***. Arrived the Schooner Victory from Detroit.
Employed the artificers & different parties of fatigue
as before. Weather moderated. Wind at S. W.
The Schooner Boston weighed & sailed into the new
Channel & came to an anchor, embarked the remainder
of the Engineers stores on board. Two of our Hunters
in the woods meeting each other by accident & fired one
of which is mortally wounded. Arrived the Troops
this night from Little Niagara and encamped here.
4000 Barrels of Provisions left at Fort Schlosser.
9*. At 1 1 o'clock this morning the whole Troops,
Indians St" proceeded in Boats on the Lake & arrived
this night at a Cove on the North Shore, called the
Traders Landing, 9 miles from the Discharge of the
Lake & encamped there. This morning employed in
loading the 2 vessels & in repairing the Boats sus-
tained by the Damage of the Keels in the rapids &
in bawling them on shore on a Rocky Beach, being
loaded each with 15 Barrels of Provisions. The 17***
Reg' taking the opposite side of the Rapids towards
Buffalo Creek got into the Surf & lost 2 Boats &
amongst them & the rest of their boats suffered much.
Carpenters were sent to repair them. Winds west but
moderate and fine. Began making my chart of the
rout.
10'** August 1764 — The whole waiting, for the 17***
Reg' not arriving as was expected, proceeded at 9
o'clock this morning immediately across the lake to
the South Side & arrived this afternoon at 4 o'clock
at River au Sable 25 Miles but not before the neces-
sary precautions were taken for the landing the whole
being Scoured by a small party of Canawaga Indians.
This morning orders were sent Express to the 17^**
Reg' to join the whole at River au Sable & a Pilot
was sent for that purpose. Fine weather & moder-
28o JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ate winds at S, WJ This morning the order for Battle
was given out, which is to be observed for the Lake En-
campment and attack, the whole consisting of 68 large
Boats & a Number of birch Canoes for the Indians
& 6 Indians in each Boat. Total of the Troops 2000.
ii'\ Arrived the 17*** Reg* at 10 o'clock this morn-
ing. The whole proceeded at 7 and at 11. Halted,
as the weather seemed suspicious. At 2 o'clock this
afternoon Continued our rout, wind Still at S. W?
Consumption of Provisions 140 Barrels a week. The
weather clearing up Continued our Rout and arrived
at Ance aux feuilles 18 miles from the last Encamp-
ment, could not proceed further the wind blowing fresh
S. W' The whole ordered to hold themselves in
readiness, to embark in case of a lull for a Push to
Presque Isle as the Shore home hence thither is dan-
gerous, particularly, on account of Les ecores de
Chatacouan & to Surprize the ennemy supposed to
be laying Concealed there to attack by us as per rela-
tion in Council, held the lo*** by the 3 chiefs of the
Carnawagas, Onandagas & Oneydos. The weather
much the same together with the representation of
the Indians Chiefs lest their Warriors should be left be-
hind as not choosing to risk that coast in the night
The whole halted.
12***. Wind at S W! Windbound this day & night,
attended with a Surf which obliged us to unload &
haul up the boats to the edge of the Woods by which
they received some small damage, owing to the mis-
management of the men. This morning arrived 2
Canoes with 10 Savages Chief warriors & deputies
from the Castles of the Hurons of Sandusky — Dela-
wares, Shawanese & 5 Nations inhabiting the Plains
of Scioto to entreat for a Peace. Granted Condition-
ally as per articles of the Terms of Peace.
Strength of the Troops. . . . 1979
310 Indians out of 574
intended
2289. Total.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 28 1
13* August 1764. Proceeded at \ after 8 this morn-
ing the wind still at S. W but moderate, continued for
15 miles to a Cove at a Point of Chatacouen and there
Halted for the rear till i after 2 this afternoon. Wind
notwithstanding foul, set off & arrived at a fine Cove
22 miles further & encamp' as it seemed to threaten
to blow and night coming on. Gained this day
Thirty seven miles.
14*.**. At 6 this morning the whole set sail for Presque
Isle. Wind at S. S. West and arrived there at 9
— twelve miles. Halted a short time and continued to
the carrying Place, being 4 miles further and there en-
camped, the wind fresh & foul. Total of miles this
day 16. Disembarked the loading out of all the Boats
& sent them around the Peninsula. Some Boats were
carried over this Carrying place which is of some 45
yards across. Encamped on the Istmas of the Presque
Isle, the wind & surf being very violent in the night
the whole were obliged to be hauled further on the
Beach.
15'**. A Council held with the Indians & Deputies
from the Ennemy Indians & the Articles with the
Terms of peace were Signed in Council by both par-
ties. A Boat belonging to the 17* Reg* went to
pieces. The wind very strong at n. n. w. with a great
swell, obliged us to remain in Camp this night. Either
lost himself or deserted a Soldier from the Jersey Reg*
& one from the 1 7^ Reg*.
16**". This day went off Express with Co* Brad-
street's dispatches to Fort Pitt, an Oneyda a Tus-
carora, one Onondaga & two of the Shawanese Depu-
ties, Containing the Articles with the Terms of Peace,
from thence they are to proceed to the Plains of Scioto
& meet the Troops (with the Chiefs & Prisoners^ at
Sandusky. At 8 o'clock the whole continued their
Rout — the wind at N E with a great Swell insomuch
that those Indians which travel in Birch Canoes were
obliged to remain. The whole halted at La Riviere
de Villejoint — 17 miles. The Indians went hunting.
282 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Provisions issued to the Troops. The Canoes with
the Indians arrived & the rest Some of the Indians
joined us by land, but were so long on their rout that
we were obliged to encamp ourselves here.
17^ At 6 o'clock this morning the whole proceeded.
The wind at S S. W. Seven Tuscaroras chose to
remain. The weather very moderate. Wind changed
at N. N. E' the whole set sail & arrived this evening^
at La Grand Riviere or Cayahuga, 62 miles. En-
campment to wait for the Indian Canoes, one Boat of
the 46'** Regiment's detachment — lost. The night
generally calm.
iS'*'. The whole proceeded at 7 o'clock this morning.
The weather very fine & moderate and the water
smooth. The Canoes with the Indians not arrived.
Detained till this hour by frivolous excuses of the
Savages in which they are never wanting. At 9 o'clock
the wind sprung up at N N E* the whole fleet set sail,
after some time the wind rose at N W by N and blew
fresh, the sea running high & the whole bore away
into the River de Seguein, with a little difficulty as
there is a spit off the Entrance but no bar in the mouth
of it. This is a remarkable river where the upper
Nations hunt & also paddle. 6 leagues up this river
& on the East Side & from thence march loaded to
Fort du Quesne now Fort Pitt in 6 days. Great
Party of the Ottawas hunted & saved corn here last
year. Gained 36 miles this day. The river Assequesix
is navigable for Birch Canoes 60 miles up.
19^*". Continued our Rout at Daylight. The wind
moderate but rose fresh with a great swell. Signals
were made for making a Harbour the whole bore away
into the River de Roches — the wind at N. E. seven
miles i from the last Encampment, where we left 2
Boats with Canadians light Infantry repairing. This
river is not navigable far up. One Canoe with Sav-
ages lost but the people saved. Wind violent.
20'\ Arrived this morning the 2 Boats with the
Canadians Light Infantry & 7 Canoes of our Savages
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 283
that were left behind. The wind at N E but so violent
& attended with such a great swell, the whole were
obliged to remain encamped here this night.
21". At 6 o'clock this morning orders were given
for the whole to proceed. Arrived at La Riviere de
la Culiere 21 miles & there halted. At 2 o'clock this
afternoon continued to the Riviere de Vermillion 13
miles further, 34 miles this day. The wind ahead at
W. S. W and very squally. Lost himself in the woods
or deserted, a soldier of the Jersey Regiment.
22"**. The wind at N W' fresh & a swell which
obliged the whole to remain Encamp' this day. As
the savages waste and eat a greater proportion of Pro-
visions than the Troops the Returns were Examined
2258 Rations per diem, remaining 30 days Pork & ^7
of Bread from this day. This night set off an English
& Canadian officer with some savages to the Hurons
of Sandusky that Col Bradstreet had granted them a
peace at their earnest request, that they were to bring
their Prisoners & meet him with their Chiefs at San-
dusky by the middle of Sept" to ratify the Treaty.
23"*. Wind at S. S. W the whole continued their
Rout At Dawn of day made a small Halt to a point
on the main to the Southward of 12 miles Island for
Manitou Chief of the Ottawas & the Great War Chief
of the Nation to make Peace & here embarked on board
and continued our Rout to Tance de la petite Isle or
Manitou's Cove froni thence the Chiefs detached a
Canoe to the Miamis to acquaint Wassing Chief of the
Jibbeways & also to the Ottawas of the terms of peace
agreed on between them and us. 44 miles this day.
24'\ Wind at S. W* at 6 o'clock this morning the
whole proceeded from Manitous Cove or L'ance de la
petite Isle & arrived at la Pointe au Cedra 34^ miles
and encamped in order to wait for the chiefs of the
Savages of the Miamis & some other Ottawas chiefs
that inhabit this river. A strong camp, the Lake in
the Rear & an impassable swamp in its Front.
Offered my service to Colonel Bradstreet to proceed
284 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
with a small party of Indians (if thought requisite &
necessary) into the Illinois Country to Execute his
Orders & to return to New York by the way of the
River Mississippi.
25*^. A Council held between Col Bradstreet & the
chief of the several Indian nations with us. No chiefs
arriving from the Miamis to this appointed place & to
the appointed time the whole embarked this afternoon
to attack the ennemy, but we had not proceeded far
before we discovered 2 or 3 Canoes with the Indian
chiefs from that place where they left Pondiac upon
which the whole returned to the former encampment
& encampt as before. The water rose this night 2
feet perpendicular, a hard gale blowing at N E which
obliged the whole to unload & haul up all their boats
from the surf. The heat this day was so intense that
the Centries were ordered to be posted under the Shade
as some of them fainted, the whole encampment being
situated on a sandy beach. A Council was held this
Evening with the Ottawas & Jibbeways Chiefs but as
nothing could be concluded for the present for want of
other chiefs 'twas deferred until our arrival at Detroit
26'*', The Miamis Indians agreed to let pass an
Officer & some of our Indians to the Illinois & to leave
Hostages for their safe return. The Canawages & all
the other nations with us sent Belts to the several
nations of Indians in that Country that if they did not
make peace as they did they would take up the Hatchet
against them next Spring. This day Cap' Morris of
the 17 Reg' & a party of our friendly Indians set off
for the Illinois by the way of the Miamis & from thence
after administering the Oath to the Inhabitants & mak-
ing the necessary remarks &*" & thoroughly fulfilling
his Orders there, he is to proceed to New York by the
way of the Mississippi. The whole continued their
rout, leaving behind 4 Tuscaroras Chiefs & arrived at
La Riviere aux Raisins — lof Miles this day.
27*\ Wind at S. W. The whole of the Troops ar-
rived this day at Detroit being the 19th day from Fort
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 285
Erie & encamped above the Town on the N side. Gave
in to Col Bradstreet a return of the stores, Tools &
Materials belonging to the Engineers Branch both
what were in this place & brought here intended for
the Expedition. Received orders to examine what
Houses were vacant & what were reparable in the
Fort, for covering the Troops for the Garrison to be
left here the 17*, but found them far short of Sufficient
room without cantoning them. Found on my arrival a
great deficiency in my spades, Shovels, what with the
Navy for Ballast &c the Troops for Gardening &c. On
our arrival near the Fort we were saluted from thence
& the vessels which was returned from our Gun Boats.
Observed one of the Schooners at the river mouth on
her way to Niagara — 47 Miles this day.
28*. I went up the River Rouge 4 miles below the
Town on the west side of the River (with a covering
Party from the Light Infantry) for a proper situation
for Wintering the vessels occasionly which after re-
connoitering and sounding the River I fixed on &
made a design for a Work & naval store-houses. Ap-
proved of. Made out a proposition of Stores & Tools
for Missillimakinack to be put in the Boats with the
Troops destined there. Was ordered to make a De-
sign & estimate for Barracks for 400 Men to be con-
structed within the Fort which was completed this
Day with Plans & Sections. Indian Presents, Ex-
pense known at ;^38,ooo Sterling, delivered to them
by Sir Wm Johnson at the Congress held at Niagara
this year. Winds at west, very hot.
29*. Winds at S. W. & very hot. Received orders
to make a Design for a Wharf & Pier to this place for
securing the vessels & for the better loading & un-
loading them with an Estimate for the same. Wrote
to the Assistant Engineer Commanding at Niagara
for an additional supply of Tools & materials carrying
on the work here. This day the Inhabitants took the
Oaths of allegiance and fidelity to his Brittanic
Majesty. Also was raised one Captain, 3 subalterns
286 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
& ICG Men of the settlements to proceed with the
Detachment of the 1 7* to reestablish the Missillimack-
inack. Council held with the Indians.
30'*". Wrote to the Chief Engineer for more ma-
terials for Building the Barracks &": Ordered for
Missillimackinack 8 large Boats and 2 French Bat-
teaux, the whole to carry 14 Barrels of Provisions each
Total 140 Barrels. Sailed this day for Niagara the
Schooner Victory with Co* Gladwin on board. The
Fort Saluted, returned from the Vessel. Contracts
made with the Inhabitants to furnish the quantity of ma-
terials necessary for building the Barracks here. Com-
missions given to the Officers of this settlement going
to Missillimackinack. Arrived some Indians from the
Misconis River bringing accounts that Wassing & the
rest of the Chiefs would be here as by promise the 3**
of September. Already transported in the vessel this
season from hence Remittances of the Traders 1200
packs of Peltrys 1000 of which Beaver & 500 Packs still
remaining unsold in the settlement. Begun cutting
Timber on Island Cochon for two scows for bringing
of Stone & other materials 70 feet in length by 18 in
Breadth, to carry 25 Tons. West winds at S S W' and
excessive heat Only 280 men of this Settlement at
present in it, capable of carrying arms.
31" Decamped & marched in & took possession
of the Garrison of Detroit the 17'** Reg* and relieved
the old Garrison being detachments from the 17'**
Royal Americans & 80^*" Regiments. Only 80 men of
the new Raised troops of this place could be con-
veniently mustered, to proceed to morrow with the
Detachment, I intended to establish at Michillimacki-
nack. This day arrived a Batteaux of Mohawks be-
longing to our army who escorted & carryed Provisions
for the officers & party sent to the Illinois by way of
the Miamis. They presented a Belt sent by Pondiac
to Col Bradstreet & the 6 Nations of Iroquois. Ap-
plied to Col Bradstreet to make a chart of the mouth
of the River Huron to show the sounding on the bar
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 287
& the properest Channel for the Vessels to pass
through in her way to the upper Lakes. The party
with Col Putnam consisting of 200 narrow ax men
cutting Timber for Barracks on Isle au Cochon still
remain at work. The Belt brought from Pondiac was
cut to pieces in Council this day & thrown piecemeal
in the river by the 6 Nations and the Speech that was
to accompany it entirely rejected. Gave directions for
cutting Timber for 2 Skows for carrying Stone from Isle
la Pierre to the Fort. All parties of Artificers &'' em-
ployed by the Crown being Inhabitants have their allow-
ances of Provisions. Wind at S W' A working party
from Encampment of 60 men for making Saw Pitts near
the Fort.
September r*. Went up the River above Isle au
Cochon with Col Bradstreet with a carrying party from
the Light Infantry. This morning proceeded the
Detachment, under the Command of Cap' Howard
(17'** Reg') for the reestablishment of the Post at
Missillimackinack. A fair wind & fresh at S. W.
Sent a party of Charcoal Burners to Isle au Cochon,
also a party to make a Raft for to transport some
Square Timber to^ the Fort for the Barrels &*" Con-
tracted for this morning. Fixed on the places for Pro-
vision Stores for 3000 Barrels of Provisions. The
new Powder Magazine in the Flag Bastion near com-
pleted, being 21 F'eet in length breadth & heighth,
calculated for 400 Barrels. Powder at present here
200 Barrels. Extreme heat & the season dry. The
80* Reg' sickly — the camp in general subjected to
fevers, agues & Fluxes. Carpenters employed in re-
pairing the Boats. An Examination made of the Boxes
of ammunition, cartridges & only one in 12 found
serviceable. Each containing 1 200 owing (as reported)
to the Boats Leaking.
2"** September. This afternoon arrived from the
Miamis 55 Ottawas of Pondiac Band to make peace
& that the Jibbeways & Powtwettamies were following
& would be here to morrow. A kind of Citadel pro-
288 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
posed by Stockading the area of the Barracks &
Parade & approved of. The wind N N N. W'. An
artillery Store House fixed on & delivered over to that
branch. Remark, 850 Indians of different nations,
had assembled at the Castle called Roche de but on the
Miamis River to oppose us, had we made any attempt
that way.
3"*. This day set a General Court martial. Went
out this afternoon by Land with Col Bradstreet below
the Powtowottamy village covering party from the 80*^
Light Infantry. Contracted with some of the Inhab-
itants for Pine Logs for Boards for the Barracks, to
be transported hence from the Piniere the opposite
side of Lake Saint Clair.
4*. Sent a party of 50 men and 2 long Boats to
Raft some Timber for the Barracks three miles below
the Huron Village. Set again the General Court
Martial. Continued the Carpenters repairing the
Boats & completing the Powder Magazine, Wind at
S. S. W. Gave in Proposals to Col Bradstreet for
procuring a grant of land & settling families thereon
for the better supplying the Garrison of Detroit & its
Dependancies with Provisions, forage &*" to prevent
for the future his Majesty's Troops being drove to
those distresses & exigensies as of late, particularly
last year. Arrived this afternoon the Jibbeways all
young Warriors with Wassong their chief. All current
paper money made by the Merchants & others called
in to prevent further Impositions. Some Coenawagas
proposed returning to their castle. Commanding
Officer of the York Regim' tried this Day for contempt
of Colonel Bradstreet's orders.
5***. Sat this day the Indian Council. Present, the
Jibbeways, Shawanese, Hurons, of Sandusky & the 5
Nations of Scioto, with all the several nations of friendly
Indians with the Army. The Hurons of this place not
present, sent word, our *' Decision was theirs." The
l^owtewattamies not yet arrived. The Jibbeways &
Ottawas responsible for their agreeing to the terms of
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 289
Peace proposed, concluded on & ratified on the present
occasion. Pondiac declined appearing here, till his
pardon should be granted. Continued sitting the
General Court Martial on a Prisoner tried for Rebel-
lion. Wind at E. N. E*. The weather on the change,
the season commencing airish and chilly, particularly
the mornings. This day Pondiac was forgiven in
council, who is at present two days march above the
castle on the Miamis River called la Roche de But
with a party of 60 more savages.
6*. The Ottawas & Jibbeways incapable of attending
the Council to sign the Articles of Peace agreed on,
through Excess of liquor. Wind at N E'. The Camp
pretty healthy in general. Remarked that of the late
Garrison that was relieved only one man died for 4
years. Arrived this evening Ninnevah & 58 young
Warriors from the Powtawattamies ; also Pondiac's
own Band of Ottawas. Came to an anchor below the
Isle aux Dindes the Sloop & two Schooners from
Niagara loaded with iioo Barrels of Provisions.
Parties employed in bawling up the Timber rafted
down from the Fort
7* This morning the Treaty of Peace was ratified
in Council signed & sealed. Came down from Isle au
Cochon Colonel Putnam and the party of Provincials
that have been employed there cqtting of Timber for
carrying on the works here. Proposed by Co* Brad-
street for Officers to apply for Grants of Lands here,
for the advantage of the Crown & this new Colony.
For either the Government must dispossess the pres-
ent Inhabitants of their lands & entirely remove them
from hence or support this feeble colony with a numer-
ous body of English sufficient to cultivate the vacant
lands in this streight & subordinate the savages who
are powerful in this neighbourhood. Wind at N E'.
Artificers continued as before. Arrived the Dispatches
from on board the vessels. Letters received from
Cap' Morris dated from les Praries des Mascoutins.
8***. Sent to the Piniere above Lake S* Clair to cut
19
290 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Timber of Pine for the Wharf. Wind at N. E. Pro-
posed, the whole to set off from hence for Sandusky
in 3 days. Remark, up that river was the Rendez-
vous proposed where Co^ Bradstreet should intrench
till the arrival there of the Troops under the Command
of Co* Bouquet. The artificers continued as before.
Marked out the Barracks on the Parade in the S. W
end of the Fort. This day a Placard was given out
for an open & free Trade as before with the Sayages
as the Peace was Concluded. Arrived several of the
Powttawatamies from S^ Joseph, We$tenong, La Sa-
line &c &c.
9'^. Came to anchor opposite the Fort, the Sloops
& 2 Schooners. Went over to the Huron Village &
4 miles below it with a covering party of Light Infan-
try of the 55* to procure materials for carrying on the
work here. Set off from hence An Officer of the 80*
and some Mohawks to Sandusky with some provisions
in case the prisoners from the Plains of Scioto should
be arrived there. Arrived 10 Birch Canoes with a
large Party of Messassagues and Wabbogomigats
their Chief of Toronto with 158 of that tribe. Weighed
anchor this Evening, the Gladwin Schooner & Sailed
for Missillimackinack with her loading of Provisions
on board. The Schooner for Missillimackinack came
to an anchor to the South of Lsle aux Cochon. Con-
tinued the Artificers as before.
io*\ Thirty of the 55*** Reg* Draughted into the
I7*^ A Council, held with the Messessagues. The
Gladwin weighed & sailed into Lake S* Clair. Rafted
down a quantity of Plank & Boards. Continued the
artificers as before. Parties employed in unloading
the Vessels. This morning before day arrived the
Schooner Victory loaded with Provisions. Wind at
5 E' with a gentle Shower of Rain, none having fallen
here for 3 weeks past. Made a demand for artificers
from the Troops to remain here to carry on the works
begun on and proposed at this place. Approved of.
: . II*. Arrived the Chief of the Jibbeways from the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR, 29 1
Bay of Saguinau on Lake Huron. Came in 2 Huron
Chiefs from the village of Sandusky. Artificers em-
ployed as before, repairing the Boats, Sawing of
Boards & Planks, making of Shingles, completing the
Powder Magazine &^ The several Indians of the
Upper Nations gradually diminish in their numbers,
retiring to their Castles. Rafted down more boards
& Plank for the Barracks. Wind at N. W^ blowing
fresh, the weather wet & cold. Made several con-
tracts for materials as Timber, Shingles, Boards,
Planks, Charcoal, Lime, Sand and Stone
1 2'**. Orders for loading the several Boats with 4
Barrels of Flour and 4 of Pork. Party employed in
unloading the vessels. Wind at N E? Received or-
ders from Col Bradstreet to make out a small pro-
portion of these for building a Fort at Sandusky if the
Indians on our arrival there dont comply with the
articles agreed to on the 1 2* August last, with regard
to the Terms of Peace. The weather rather cold.
Artificers Continued on the Several works & Services
as before. Several rockets fired this night to amuse
the Savages.
13*. Arrived a Batteau with an Express from
Niagara, with an Officer of the 46'*' and 13 men, ad-
vice from Sandusky that the Indians to the number bf
800 Warriors hacl assembled there to oppose our
troops from disembarking as proposed instead of rati-
fying the treaty. Accounts came in that several
canoes were arrived at S' Josephs from the Illinois
with Ammunition, Clothing of for the Indians to con-
tinue the war against us. Artificers employed as be-
fore. Orders issued for the Troops to decamp & em-
bark to morrow morning for Sandusky. Wind at
S. W! Two Hurons quarrelling this night in our
Camp, the one Tomahawked the other. Four men
of the Canadian Battalion of Volunteers deserted this
night.
14*^. At 8 o'clock this morning the whole Em-
barked ; saluted by the Guns from the Fort & the 3
292 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
vessels. Returned by our Gun Boats. Halted near
the mouth of the River, the Wind fresh at S. S. W',
however proceeded & arrived this evening at La
Riviere aux Cygnes, reckoned 30 miles from the Fort.
The Boston Schooner set sail this day for Niagara.
Provisions issued this night to the Troops ; left the
Garrison of Detroit with 1 5 months Provisions to the
present time. Remained behind from the Provincial
Troops 30 artificers for Carrying on the Works at
Detroit. Our present number of Boats 60 of the Long
Boats and one Barge. Obliged to row upwards of a
mile in this River for good ground to Encamp on, its
entrance being low & marshy. Encamped on the East
side. Put on board by order a proportion of Intrench-
ing Tools 8t^ for establishing a Post at Sandusky if
absolutely necessary and some materials embarked
on board the Schooner Victory to meet the Troops
there. The vessels remaining at anchor had received
orders & were ready to sail down the River. Trees
begin to change their Hue.
15*. Wind at N W. At day light the whole pro-
ceeded & halted at la Riviere aux Raisons, where we
met 6 Jibbeway Canoes of Hunters with their Families
from the Miamis in their way to Detroit. This morn-
iijg we were met in a Birch Canoe by the officers sent
to Sandusky who brought an account that they were
not well treated by some of that village, that the reason
of their being so tardy in their determination was ow-
ing to their having been promised by the Upper
Nations to make some stroke, that by what could be
learnt they proposed assembling about 1000 warriors
to surprise us when in Council at Sandusky and to
murder the whole but that they hoped forgiveness from
the ill advice they had received from their sachems &
that they were ready to listen to any terms for peace.
Remark that the Delawares were still ill-disposed not-
withstanding the concessions made by the Shawanese
&? Arrived this night at La Pointe aux Feviers.
This country covered with game viz' Swans, Geese,
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. J93
Ducks, Teal, Plovers Pidgeons &*", observed during
this day's rout. The rear of our Encampm' protected
by drowned & almost impassable swamps. The soil
very rich and well timbered. Rout this day esteemed
14 leagues. At lo o'clock this night a hard gale of
wind rose at N E* which affected the boats. Orders
were given to man them in order to proceed round the
point but encreasing with violence they were counter-
manded and the Boats all hawled up. Two Indians
seen on horseback, 'tis observed the savages possess
in these parts including the Shawanese about 6000
Horses.
i^*. Wind still continueing to blow hard at N E'
with a great sea. Several of our Indians went a hunt-
ing. The lands extremely fine interspersed here and
there with intervals of meadow producing chiefly Folic
avoine a kind of Oats which the Indians make bread of.
At 2 o'clock this afternoon the wind lulling & the water
some what asswaged, the whole proceeded (after firing
3 Cannon for to call in the Hunters) & arrived late at
la Presqu' Isle, a gravelly beach & some what steep,
where we encamped & met Manitou & some of the
Ottawas Chiefs there. Accounts received there that
this night there was to arrive at the Hurons village all
on horseback 400 Delawares 500 Shawanese, which
with the 200 Hurons of the village here makes 1 100
Strong, a number sufficient to be attended to when
compared with our present numbers. A body of men
picked out from all the Troops for an occasional
stroke.
17*. The wind at S E' with a swell, rather flowing
fresh, however the whole proceeded at 7 o'clock in
order to reach the Lake of Sandusky, the wind &
waves rising we put back before the wind & arrived at
our former Encampment. One of our vessels dis-
covered at anchor in the Traverse. No possibility
of continueing our rout, this day. Accounts arrived
that the Delawares & Shawanese are assembled at
Sandusky where the old Fort stood, in order to treat
294 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
with US for Peace agreeable to their appointment.
Greatest part of the Indians went out a hunting.
Continued sketching the coast and part of the Islands
with the Bearings and Distances.
1 8*. The whole proceeded. The wind at S. W
blowing very hard with a swell. Halted at the west-
ern most Point of Sandusky Lake and blowing a Gale
of wind but lulling a little. About 2 o'clock Entered
Sandusky Lake & arrived in the afternoon where our
old Fort stood that the Indians burnt last year, a bad
place for the Boats. The whole set sail & arrived at
Thistle Creek about one mile & f to the Eastward of
it but the water failing returned & encamped ^ a mile
to the westward of the old Fort. A good clay beach.
Found at the old Fort the Officer of the 80**" sent with
Provisions from Detroit. Heavy rains. The Dela-
wares, Shawanese, & other nations not being arrived,
seven more days were granted.
I9*\ Came in an Express. A Delaware, some
Shawanese & an Indian from Scioto to acquaint us
that their chiefs & Prisoners were on their march to
meet us here. A Council held this day wherein 'twas
fully explained that no dependance was made on the
Belt sent, that the Delawares in particular had forfeited
their word long since. An Ottawa chief in the Council
upbraided the Shawanese and Delawares for sending
him a belt in the Spring to continue the war against
the English with the utmost vigour. Wind at N E.
The Channel of Sandusky was sounded & found
sufficient water for the vessels now on the Lake to
enter. Arrived the Sachem Manitou and the great
War Chief of the Ottawas with 1 2 more young warriors
to attend the General Council to be held here. Near
1300 lbs weight of our Flour on a survey found
damaged owing to the wet weather we have had lately.
Remark — that the water rises & falls upwards of 2 feet
perpendicular, the difference between the winds blow-
mg in & out of this Lake, from the N E & S W
quarter. The Iroquois sent to Fort Pitt from Presque-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 295
Isle returned. Remark. The Officer of the 80* had
already dispatched one of our Indians to hasten the
Chiefs of the Nations expected.
. 20***. As the Nations expected to ratify the Treaty
propose taking the Rout of the upper village of the
Huron 60 miles from the first Rapids on the River of
Sandusky the whole embarked & proceeded and en-
camped, one mile below the Rapids in order to meet
them one day sooner and also to be so much the nearer
to attack their villages on the Ohio should they to
comply with every article alluded in the Treaty of
Peace. This Days rout 30 Miles. Wind at S.WI very
heavy rains. The country covered with Game. The
land extremely rich, interspersed near the Borders ot
the Rivers and Lake with large Tracts of Meadow.
This camp very advantageously situated on a rising
Ground and open woods as per Draught. The most
of this River from the Entrance to the Rapids being
about 18 miles is 5 Fathoms Water the first six miles
up Meadow, the rest woods, are part with another 80
yards Broad. The Evening & Morning Gun ordered
to be fired with the Camp duties &^ as before. A
considerable difiference observed in the climate becom-
ing more moderate. One of the Couriers a Delaware
being suspected of returning before the arrival of his
chiefe, was secured by the Oneydas.
21". The quarter guards of the Several Battalions
& Detachments defended by Fleches & Redoubts with
6 light field 6 Pounders in the Intervals. The Indians
from the neighbouring village at the Rapids which for
the most part is abandoned this Spring brought in the
produce of their settlement chiefly consisting of mel-
ons Squashes & Indian Corn to traffick with the Troops
for Salt, Rum &c. Arrived an Express from Miamis
Fort not being permitted to proceed any further by the
Miamis. The Warriors in that River assembled 700
strong, when he was at the Fort 15 Shawanese and
Delawares arrived there with 14 Belts to the several
Nations to carry on the war against the English as
296 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
well as themselves having vowed Enmity to us as long
as the sun should shine, as per Journal from Captain
Morris* wherein is set forth the several escapes he had
of being scalped, of the severe treatment he met with
from the Miamis having been at times bound up in his
sash, tied to a tree, naked pillaged of all his effects &
dragged through the River & the necessity he was
under in concealing himself in different places (by the
advice and protection of Pondiac's nephew) to prevent
his being scalped : and his escape at last through the
woods on horseback with a Frenchman for his Guide.
Thq 14 Indians of the 6 Nations, his escort gave him
no assistance being struck with a Panick. A Council
was held this night between Col Bradstreet and the
Chiefs of several Nations, now encamped with us ac-
quainting them with the above accounts. Desiring to
hear their Sentiments with regard to them to-morrow
in Council. The Indians council'd together the chief
of the night. The Schooner with Materials &*" discov-
ered at anchor near the entrance of Lake Sandusky.
Wind at SW. Remarkable heavy rain fell & continued
most of this night. Arrived from the Upper Huron
village of Sandusky 60 miles from hence accounts that
the chiefs of that nation were preparing to come down
& ratify the Peace made with us.
22"**. Wind Strong at West An Express was dis-
patched to Detroit in a Canoe. A Council held this
afternoon between Colonel Bradstreet and several
friendly Indian Chiefs. The result that 3 Indians
should be dispatched to see if the Delawares & Shaw-
anese were on their Rout, if they were to hasten them.
On examining the Provisions found sufficient but for
20 days for the Troops. I went to the Huron Village
and took a sketch and Bearings of that advantageous
* Thomas Morris was a Lieutenant in the Seventeenth, or Forbes'
Regiment, in 1755. ^^ ^*^s at the reduction of Louisbourg in 1758, and
with General Amherst at Lakes George and Cham plain in 1759. ^^
1 76 1 he was promoted to a Captaincy. See Parkman's Conspiracy of
Pontiac for Morris* narrative among the Indians. He left the army in
1775-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 297
and beautiful situation and the meanderings of the
River. Remarked that the Left of our Encampment
is contiguous to the remains of an old Fort where the
Dela wares & some of the Western Indians took Post
•to shelter themselves against the Iroquois near lOO
years ago — this constructed in the form of a circle 300
yards in circumference, one half defended by the River
and a remarkable Hollow way or Gully which covers
the left and part of the Front of our present encamp-
ment The works thrown up for the Defence of the
Camp completed by the Respective corps that were
to occupy them.
23"*. Wet weather, wind at N E! no accounts as yet
arrived from the Chiefs of the Nations expected. Or-
ders for the Troops to receive 2 days provisions & to
cook it The Gun to fire at 4 o'clock in the morning
at which time the Tents are to be struck & the whole
to Embark & proceed at the Beating of the General,
a very necessary movement as affairs do not wear the
best appearance from the delay of our Ennemies who
were to assemble to fulfill and ratify the articles of the
Peace agreed on and for near 1 2 miles of this river is
one entire Defile. Arrived accounts that the Schooner
was drove back to la Petite Isle, very heavy rains.
24*^. The whole returned down the River. Wind
at S. W! Entered the Lake or rather the Bay of San-
dusky and Continued on it till we arrived f of a mile
above where the French Fort stood on the carrying
Place between the Lakes Sandusky and Erie, where
we Encamped. A working Party set to work imme-
diately in clearing the Ground to construct a Fort on.
Made the Design, marked out the work and began on
cutting the Trenches and felling Timber for Stockades
&? Arrived account that the Schooner was near la
petite Isle at anchor. Very violent Flashes of light-
ning & claps of Thunder. Indians hunted, some Deer
Killed. Prodigous heavy Showers. Rowed this day
to the present Encampment Seven Leagues. Great
want of Tools and almost every kind of materials for
298 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
carrying on the Fort Left behind at our Encamp-
ment about 80 of our own Indians under pretence of
waiting for the arrival of our Ennymies Chiefs, rather
they were displeased at this sudden manouvre and
Provisions left with them.
25* This morning at daylight a long boat was dis-
patched to the Schooner with letters for Detroit where
she is immediately to proceed after delivering into the
Boat the materials &*" belonging to the Engineers for
carrying on the Fort. Arrived a Canoe from up the
River of Sandusky with advices that some of the
Hurons of the Upper Villages had arrived at the lower
one and that some of the Delawares and Shawanese
had been there on their way to us, but that the courier
dispatched by the Officer of the 80^ had sent them
back for their Prisoners. Two Ottawas Chiefs arrived
in our Camp on Horseback from Les Prairies des
Mascoutins up the river des Mis or Miamis confirming
the accounts transmitted by the officer of the 17^ to
Col Bradstreet, 'also that the Miamis, Quicapous,
Mascoutins and Powtowattomies of S' Joseph had
danced the War dance, having accepted the Belts
sent by the Delawares, Shawanese and Senecas be-
fore the return of the 2 Miamis chiefs that signed the
articles of Peace made with Col Bradstreet at Detroit.
Continued the working parties on the Front. Parties
sent a fishing with Seines with some success. Indians
returned from this days hunt with Deer. Wind at
S. W. Weather wet at 10 o'clock this night. Re-
turned the Long boat that was dispatched this morn-
ing which brought the materials sent for. Arrived at
the same time an Express from General Gage to Col
Bradstreet by the way of Niagara by an officer of the
46* Reg' who took the side of Lake Erie and fortu-
nately fell in with the Long boat sent to the vessel from
this Camp. Contents of that Dispatch from the
Comm' in Chief. The Disapprobation of the Peace
concluded with the Delawares, Shawanese, Savages
of Scioto Plains and Hurons of Sandusky notwith-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 299
Standing the Orders " make Peace with those Savages
who should offer it " and that Extraordinary Peace
granted to the Senecas and that Branch of them called
the Jenneaees at Niagara in August after that recent
and most barbarous stroke Sept' 1763 on the Niagara
carrying place without the least provocation together
with their being the occasion of this present rupture
with the Savages, Containing also the absolute neces-
sity of 1 2 of the Delawares and Shawanese to be de-
livered up to be put to Death and advice of Col
Bouquet being on his march against the Ohio Indians
by the way of Fort Pitt, which he was to leave the i*'
of October. The Schooner by order set off for De-
troit this night for provisions for the Troops here from
where she laid at anchor. Remark — Monsieur La
Clad Commissionaire de la Companie des Indes now
provides many tribes even of our Savages from the
Island of Orleans with merchandize, Liquor, Arms &
Ammunition very near at Par at least with very little
profit 'tis reported by Order of the Court of France
to gain over the Savages to their Interest and this
year sent several canoes with Ammunition &c to La
Baye S' Josephs &*" and to give credit to them, that
have not the wherewithal.
26*. Working Parties continue in constructing the
Intended Fort. Wind at S. W^ Early this morning
was dispatched two long Boats to the Lower Huron
village near our last Encampment on the River of San-
dusky to immediately bring back our Indians we left
there. At one o'clock this afternoon arrived a canoe
with 2 Ottawas from the Lower Huron village with
accounts that the Huron of the Upper Village with the
Prisoners were arrived there & that we might expect
them to morrow. Weather very sultry, with some
showers of rain. Arrived Manitou Chief Sachem of
the Ottawas with part of his Band. Remark. — The
Delawares and Shawanese were prepared for us in
June and had engaged a spot of Ground in the Illinois
country in case they should have been repulsed by us.
300 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
This morning about ii o'clock I received orders to
discontinue the Works, the several parties were dis-
missed accordingly. Arrived a Birch Canoe with
Hurons informing us that 40 Warriors and Chiefs ex-
clusive of Women were on the opposite side of the Lake
at the old Village on the River Poisson d' Ontario that
they had brought some prisoners down with them
belonging to their Band or Party. Provisions were
ordered for the whole and sent them in the same canoe.
That they do not expect either the Delawares or
Shawanese as they said themselves 'twas too late in
the season and that they could not collect their chiefs.
Arrived also 2 canoes of Caenawagas with accounts of
the arrival of the Hurons. That a party of them
arrived the evening of the Day we decamped from
thence, that we need not expect the Delawares &
Shawanese as their chiefs were gone to the Illinois.
Remark. Already known. That about 10 of the
Caenawagas belonging to our army had deserted us
in order to war against the Flat Heads. A return de-
manded from the Commanding Officer of the Number
of men capable of carrying 30 days Provisions to
march near 200 miles and return — Given in Numbers
. Extraordinary Thunder & Lightning this night
with heavy rain. By the Intelligence of a Jibbeway
arrived this day who had been lately from the Shaw-
anese Castles (but lately from the River de Miamis)
that he did not understand from them the least inten-
tion they had of making Peace.
27*. Wind at N. East, the weather heavy. This
morning a Council of Warriors held at Head Quarters,
present the Commanding officers of Corps, with regard
to an attempt being immediately made on the castles
of the Delawares & Shawanese Situated on the Plains
of Scioto and chiefly on the west side of that River.
The Guides were examined with regard to the Geog-
raphy of the Country and upon duly enquiring into
every particular circumstance relative to such an under-
taking they were unanimously agreed to attempt it
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 3OI
but that they thought the success was very doubtful
from the great distance &c, the Impracticability of the
Rout which is esteemed half very bad & half pretty
good road, 3 rivers to ford, the Scioto River breast
high and one to Raft, very wide across that 40 days
Provisions was absolutely the least each man ought to
carry as the Distance computed on an average from
the Guides was 225 miles to go and the same to return.
Four Long Boats sent off for the Hurons and prisoners
to the opposite side of this Lake. Two Long Boats
one of which a Gun Boat detached to the Point of the
Lake with a Captain of the 80* two subalterns and 20
men to fire a gun in case any vessel arrives either from
Detroit or Fort Erie and to be answered from our
Encampment to proceed thither in order to unload her
with Provisions sufficient for the present occasion of
the Troops. Several Barrels of Flour found damaged
from the Extraordinary rains fallen of late. The two
long boats sent up to the Sandusky River to hasten
the return of the Indians, arrived this morning and
brought several in them. A Grand Council held with
the Indians at Head Quarters, Returned the 4 Boats
and brought 102 Wiandots and one Prisoner (Boy)
who came all on horses. Remark — The Jennessees
sent off the Belts now a Fact, amongst the Seneca
Nations on the Ohio &*" during the Congress held at
Niagara. The attempt of the main body of the Troops
attacking the villages on Scioto set aside.
28^. The Field officer & 250 men ordered yes-
terday embarked & set sail at 7 o'clock this morning.
Col Bradstreet demanded of the 6 Nations with us, to
join a small party of our Troops & some Ottawas now
present to immediately proceed and attack some of the
Ennemies settlements on the Ohio, which they de-
clined saying " that they were sent out to make Peace."
Set out this day Assarrigoa, chief of the Caenawagas
and a Shawanese with 4 of the 6 Nations to receive
the 12 victims from the Ennemy nations. Chief of the
Hurons of Loretto died. Remark — From an Excellent
302 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
computation corroborated by several courieurs du bois
and voyageurs that lo.ooo Indians can assemble in 3
weeks at Detroit provided they have notice consisting
chiefly of Jibbeways. Returned the Field officers
party and 1 2 long boats, no vessel discovered.
29***. Buried the Huron Chief. A Court of Enquiry
held this day to enquire of the 2 Indian Captives what
orders Sir W" Johnson had given the Chiefs of the 5
Nations with regard to Peace or War with the Indians.
Answer, to make peace with all those that shall offer
it and comply with the same terms proposed them by
Col Bradstreet if not to carry on the war against them.
A council held with the Chiefs of the 5 Nations who
declared the above. A Gale of Wind at S.E. arrived
a boat from the Schooner of her arrival off La petite
Isle loaded with 145 Barrels of Provisions, which with
what we have in Camp makes 16 days Flour and 21
of Pork.
30***. A Gale of wind at S.E and a great sea. On a
survey of Provisions brought on the boats 3000 lbs
weight of Flour was condemned exclusive of yesterdays
return. Three Huron warriors arrived on horseback
Express. Three Rockets thrown this Night from Le
Point du Lac by the Detachment commanded by the
Captain of the So*** Supposed on discovering a vessel
from Niagara. This night was very stormy. Remark.
The Strength of the English seems long to have de-
pended on the Discord reigning amongst the Savages
and must, provided the same measures are pursued
by us.
October i''. Arrived an officer of the 46*** Express
from Niagara in the Sloop with Dispatches from the
Commander in Chief to Col Bradstreet. The vessel
loaded with Provisions 40 Barrels Pork and 260 Flour.
Returned the Indian dispatched to the Dela wares by
the officer of the 80* who brought with him 2 Dela-
ware Chiefs Kill Buckandanotherwho were heard and
sent back again yesterday. The Captain of the 80*
was relieved by the Captain Lieftenant of the same
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 303
Reg' and Number of men at the Fort du Lac. This
day was held a General Court Martial.
2"** October 1764. A council held with the Hurons of
Sandusky. Detach' of 250 men commanded by a field
offieer & officers in proportion to unload & Ballast the
2 vessels which are to proceed directly after for Fort
Erie for Provisions for Detroit. This day 70 Sick
officers & men were sent to Niagara on board the
vessels. Twelve Indians returning home from yester-
days hunt with 14 deer, Turkies, Geese, Ducks &c.
Result of the Day's Council with the Hurons, rejected
the Belts & advised them to reflect till tomorrow for
words alone were not sufficient without further proofs
of their sincerity. Wind at E* Quarter Guards of
the Camp covered with Breastworks and surrounded
with Abbatis.
3'? Wind still at East. Came in an Express from
the Vessels that they were unloaded & ready to sail.
Arrived Assarrigoa, Chief of the Caenawagas who did
not proceed further than the Upper Huron Castle as
Expresses constantly came in there with accounts that
the Troops under the Command of Colonel Bouquet
were on their march & by the last courier but about
40 miles from a Delaware Town. A Council held this
Day wherein the chiefs of the 6 Nations gave the Hu-
rons a Belt as brethren now serving under the same
King. A Court of Enquiry held to enquire into the
Treatment Cap* Morris of the 17^ met with on the
Miamis river from Thomas King an Oneyda Chief.
One of his escort just arrived from thence which court
I attended and took the minutes of. This night the 6
Nations agreed to take up the Hatchet immediately
against the Delawares & Shawanese. Understood that
the 6 Nations had they Canoes would have returned
home long since being too far and too late to proceed
home by land. Four hundred Indians now encamped
with us of different nations & tribes, at one ration & \
each. Indians successful in their Hunting. Died &
was buried one of the warriors of the 6 Nations.
304 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
4***. Six nations doubtful whether they would take
up the Hatchet against the Delawares & Shawanese.
A Party proposed to act against them consisting
chiefly of Regulars to consist of 200 men besides In-
dians and to proceed at 1 2 o'clock this night. Coun-
termanded, as the 6 nations were wavering. A Detroit
Huron and some Jibbeways took up the Hatchet
against our Ennemies and sung the War Dance daring
the 6 Nations to follow them. This evening returned
the Major and his Detachment from unloading the
vessels, brought with them this Trip 140 Barrels of
Provisions, some of the Flour damaged, wet weather,
winds variable. This night a Gale of wind rose at
E.S.E' with a swell, obliged to hawl up our Boat.
Reason the Chief of the 6 Nations gave for not im-
mediately taking up the Hatchet was, as they had
made peace with the upper Nations they must draw
blood first and show them the Example.
5*** A Long boat lost by last nights storm. This
morning went a Boat off with a party of Hurons of
Sandusky for them to remove their effects and aban-
don their settlement in order to join the Hurons of
Detroit. At the same time set off a Detachment in
2 long Boats to attack some straggling Indians. Or-
ders sent for the Sloop to set sail. A Canoe dis-
patched Express to Detroit for a party of these In-
dians to strike immediately against the Shawanese &
Delawares. A Council held this afternoon with the
6 Nations, Col Bradstreet present, wherein they re-
fused to strike the Delawares & Shawanese, particu-
larly the latter, saying they were sprung from Onan-
daga. The Camp falling sickly very fast Wind at
NE & heavy weather, the Breeze rather fresh. Re-
mark— from good intelligence, why the Indians more
numerous last Spring was on account of 1500 Jibbe-
ways having gone to war against the Sioux.
6*. went off a Captain of the 1 7* with Col Brad-
street's Dispatches to the Commander in Chief Set
Sail 6 Boats with a Captain & 400 men Light Infan-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 305
try for Provisions left disembarked at Le point du Lac.
Number of Sick since last return 70. Some Indians
& captives embarked on board the Schooner Victory
ordered to sail for Fort Erie. Deserted 4 Mohawks
from the Scouting party that went off yesterday morn-
ing under pretence that the party were not gone to
war but to treat. Went off a Boat with the Dispatches
to the vessels & another to the opposite side of the
Lake for the 4 Mohawks. Returned the Captain's
Detachment of Light Infantry with the Provisions.
Also returned to camp the Captain & his party of the
80* from Le Point du Lac and the 2 Long boats
Express and otherwise. Great disputes with the Pro-
vincial Battalions with regard to Rank and Seniority
of Commissary, terms of Service &c &c.
7*. By the Behaviour of the 6 Nations in General
now with us, I sincerely apprehend them to be the
greatest Ennemies to his Brittanic Majesty in North
America. By the bad package of the Flour vast quan-
titys have perished. Wind at NW, very high, very
fresh, in flurries, weather Squally. Leaves begin to
fall. This day returned the long Boats sent off yes-
terday to the vessel with provisions which sailed this
morning. A hard Gale at N W and the weather rather
cold. Return of Provisions this day for 2000 men.
Flour 25 days — Pork 17 days. Flour Barrels at 200
lbs weight & Pork 190 allowing it all to be good.
Remark — From the very best authority 3330 Indians
can assemble whenever they please at Sandusky or
found 100 miles to the northward of it in 10 days.
Great quantity of the Flour & Pork found repacked.
8***. A Survey of Provisions held. A Return of the
Number & State of the Boats taken. A Gale of wind
at S.E and a great sea. number of Long Boats pres-
ent fit to put to sea . A Soldier of 55* Reg' by
accident had his brains blown out
October (f". A General Court Martial held this Day.
Wind at N W fresh. Two long Boats sent across this
Lake to wait the return of the scouting party. Re-
20
306 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
turned without meeting them. The General Court
Martial dissolved. Indians very successful in their
hunting. Several men yet swelled up prodigously
both by touching & burning the poison Vine.
lo*. A long Boat sent off at Daylight this morning
to the river Poisson D'or^ to discover the out scout
which returned without seeing them. Wind at N.
West and hot weather. Two Boats sent out to Dis-
cover the return of the Scout, that from the Bottom
of the Lake returned this night without perceiving any
one, as also the one sent to where the Fort stood.
6 Caenawagas missing. Answer from the chiefs that
they were gone to see their friends at the Plains of
Scioto and so to war against the Flat heads. A
Council held by desire of the 6 nations. 1 began pro-
tracting the Draught of the South Coast of Lake Erie
to a scale of 2 miles to an inch with the Rout, Encamp-
ment &c &c.
II'^ Boats went to discover the Scout. This day
returned unsuccessfuU. This afternoon a Boat was
dispatched to the Westward of River Poisson d'or^
and brought over an Indian officer & 4 Indians of the
Scout with a Flathead an adopted Indian of Onan-
daga belonging to this Encampment, which they
brought Prisoner suspecting he had carried intelli-
gence to that Delaware settlement, The scout went to
cut off. This Express brought account that the party
was on their Return the cabins being abandoned, they
met 2 Hurons on Horseback who acquainted them
that the Delawares had run off 4 days, having re-
ceived advices from the 6 Nations encamped now
with us of our Design. The water of this Lake fallen
one foot perpendicular. Wind fresh at N.W. Survey
of the Provisions finished.
1 2*. A smart white frost this morning. An armed
long boat dispatched for to receive the party where
the old Fort Stood expected in this day. Strength of
our troops present 1400 besides 200 Indians. The
Boat returned with the Scouting Party on board —
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 307
Remark — They were within 2 miles of the Cabbins
when they met with 2 Hurons who advised them to
return which they thought a sufficient Excuse. Wind
at W. weather clear. Council held again by desire
of the 6 Nations to immediately return home, as the
season being too far advanced for service.
13* Wind at West and fine weather. Arrived a
Canoe with an Interpreter and 9 Ottawas, Hurons &
Jibbeways from Detroit and Saguinau to war against
the Shawanese & Delawares with advice that the rest
would be here by the morrow. Arrived an Onondaga
Indian and another that were sent by Col Bradstreet
from Presque Isle to Fort Pitt. They returned by
the way of the Delaware & Shawanese Towns &
brought in a Cherokee's Scalp, given them. They
brought dispatches from Col Bouquet of the 2"** of
October from Fort Pitt, with his Intentions of attacking
the villages of Tuscaroras & Muskingum on the Mus-
kingum River. Arrived a Jibbeway one of the 3 of
the party of Andrew the Huron that left the Scout
when they arrived near the village called Scawnongon
they discovered a Delaware and did not kill him. The
Delaware told them if they came at war they were mis-
taken as peace was making, upon which this Indian
was dispatched and the other 2 Continued to the Town
for confirmation. This village according to this
Indian's travelling is about 240 miles from this Camp.
Indians successfuTl in their hunting. Great quantities
of damaged Provisions was embarked and thrown into
the lake. Remark. The Onondaga Indian found a
white man's head unscalped & just killed, fixed on a
stick in the middle of the Path from Fort Pitt to this
Place (to denote that the road was barred). That the
Delaware Cabins where Mohican John lives were
abandoned from the Intelligence sent them by the 6
Nations on the day of our arrival at the old Fort of
Sandusky.
14***. Winds at S. W. the fore part of the day and
Easterly the Remainder. Weather very fine and clear.
308 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
An armed long boat sent to the carrying place to dis-
cover the arrival of the Remainder of the Indian
Warriors from Detroit. Arrived a canoe with Tobacco
&*" from the Illinois & lastly from Detroit, to dispose
off to the Troops. Great quantities of Game of almost
every kind brought in. Camp not extraordinary healthy,
subject chiefly to fluxes, some agues, each attended
with Fevers. An Indian confirmed this day, what I
before remarked in this Journal with regard to the de-
signs of the Ennemy who was present when the plot was
laid which was as follows — That on our arrival at San-
dusky, that 300 picked men should promiscuously join us
in order to treat with us at Sandusky, each armed with
either Tomahawk or scalping knife, that they should
encamp on our right & left according to our usual
custom of encamping Indians when with us — that they
were to dance every night, that 400 others armed with
spears were to be near at hand & when they should
find us least on our guard they were to Tomahawk us,
seconded by those without. Council held this day
with the 6 nations & upper Nations wherein matters
were explained by Colonel Bradstreet with regard to
the present situation of affairs between us & the Del-
awares & Shawanese & the little or no dependance to
be put in their treaties, of their having broke their
Peace by scalping & taking prisoners off of our Fron-
tiers, since they had concluded Peace with us Aug'
12'^ 1764. Arrived a woman and a Girl, prisoners,
that had ran away from the Shawanese in 6 days, they
alleged that 200 Prisoners belonging to us, were in
one of the Shawanese Towns now collected, they were
almost famished. Compleated my plans of the South
Side of Lake Erie as far as the mouth of the Lake of
Sandusky. Arrived some of our own Indians from the
Hunt Remarks — That 'tis plainly discovered, the 6
Nations are at the Bottom of this war, even the faith-
ful Thomas King an Oneyda Chief is now in possession
of a French Flag given him by the Miamis when he
was t'other day there which account he never asserted
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 3O9
in the Deposition he gave, accompanied with a large
carrot of Tobacco, a piece of which each nation chief
was to smoke, that this Flag denoted an early arrival
of 60 or 70 Boats with French Troops expected by
the way of the Mississippi — that it should be a pro-
tection to them to signify their Encampment whenever
it should be thought Expedient to attempt the massacre
of our Army. That the Senecas have declared to the
Delawares & Shawanese to support themselves this
Campaign — that notwithstanding the Peace they had
concluded with us at Niagara they would give us a
blow when & where we least expect it — that the Del-
awares & Shawanese must mark out a spot amongst
them to retire to in the Spring, as possibly they might
be over- come by our numbers. Observation — that
Thomas King on his arrival here desired the Chiefs
of the 6 Nations would accept & deliver the Flag,
delivered him by Monsieur S' Vincent, to Co' Brad-
street, which they declined. Remark. This day
Monsieur Maisonville declared that on leaving the
Illinois a few days since, about 1200 Savages were
assembled at the Miamis River in order to give us
Battle which they proposed at La Roche de But where
commences the Rapids, 'twas agreed on in the follow-
ing manner (if they could not succeed by Treachery)
to fall on us when we should be least on our Guard, to
'wait, if not, until we disembarked & marched on to
the village where Pondiac chiefly resides, supposing
we should leave about 400 men to cover the Boats
Provisions &'' — then to attack & to destroy the Boats
& soe by distress &*" to overcome the main body. That
300 more were daily expected to join them — that had
any accident befallen our army to prevent their reach-
ing Detroit (as so extensive navigation is hazardous
for so many Boats together) they proposed surprizing
that Post
I5*\ Two Hurons arrived — that their villages were
removing according to agreement to Riviere de Loutre.
Arrived a party of Detroit Indians consisting of 9 to
3IO JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
war immediately against the Shawanese & Delawares.
Wind at S. W & fine weather. Many discoveries
made within these few days past of the disaffection of
the 6 Nations, insomuch that the Delawares & Shaw-
anese &"" declare openly that their safety's insured
while the 6 Nations keep well with the English. This
night at 9 o'clock set off the Detachment of Light In-
fantry commanded by Major Daly consisting of 130
men, all Regulars in order to make the Savages this
day arrived imagine they were intended to act immedi-
ately against the Ennemy whereas they are only
ordered to encamp concealed beyond Le Point du
Lac 1 2 miles from hence. The Party victualled for 7
Days. Great quantities of Game brought in by the
Indians.
16*. A Boat sent to the carrying place to wait the
arrival of 1 5 Powtawattamies from Detroit in order to
join the Warriors that arrived yesterday. Wind S. W,
weather very fine. From the advices received from the
Illinois of the Disposition of the Savages not less than
3000 Picked men should be sent to take Possession of
that country but to insure success no other allies
should be accepted of. This afternoon a Council was
held, all the Indians of the different nations present
with a Fire in the centre in which Co^ Bradstreet made
the Oneyda chief fix the French Colours till they were
consumed. The great War Chief of the Ottawas ha-
rangued the 6 Nations hoping they would follow the
Example of the Upper Nations having taken up the
Hatchet, against his Majesty'* Ennemies. Six Caena-
wagas Indians at Detroit when this party of Indians
of the upper Nation set off to carry on the war against
the Delawares & Shawanese, told them that 'twas a
deed they would repent, that they had lost their senses
going to war against their own Flesh and blood. By
the best advices being from undoubted authority a
Project was laid after the Council held at Ance aux
Feuilles that the Troops should encamp (if the 6 Na-
tions could persuade Col Bradstreet to it) at this Carry-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 3 1 1
ing place in order to perpetrate (by the assistance of a
large body of the Ennemy) their black design in the Mas-
sacre of our Troops when least on our Guard. From
the apparent good Disposition of the Savages of the
Upper nation provided they are properly treated with
at Detroit they will in every respect answer our pur-
pose they having naturally an aversion to the Dela-
wares & Shawanese and even J of the Expence of
this campaign in this district only would be (properly
managed in Presents) sufficient to extirpate the whole
race of our present savage ennemies.
October 17* 1764. The Chiefs of the 6 Nations
being sent to for 2 Men to carry Dispatches to Fort
Pitt, refused saying their people were all sick having
100 and odd now encamped with an imperfect health,
a council held this morning with the Party now ready
to proceed. Wind at S. W wet weather. At One
o'clock this afternoon was dispatched two Birch Canoes
of Caenawagas Indians under the Direction of an
Indian Officer of the Canadians Total 25 to attack
the Delawares. Arrived 2 Hurons from the Upper
Wiandot Village, upon their* arrival in our village in
our Camp the 6 Nations immediately spread a report
that an Express had arrived in the Wiandot Village
that Co' Bouquet had made peace with the Delawares
& Shawanese in order to prevent the young warriors
of the upper nations to proceed and to recall the
Coenawagas set off this morning on a scalping party.
An armed long Boat dispatched to the carrying place
to discover the 1 5 Powtawattamies under the Direc-
tion of a French Partisan from Detroit to join this
Party, returned without finding them. Remark. That
'tis evidently the Interest of the 6 Nations to have the
war Continued.
18*. This morning at \ past 8 o'clock the whole
decamped & embark'd for Niagara consisting of 1400
men besides 150 Indians — 59 Long Boats, one Barge
& 9 Birch Canoes. Wind at S. S. W. and fresh. At
ID o'clock was join'd by the Detach' of Light Infan-
312 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
try that set off the 15*** at night. Continued this whole
day on Lake Erie passed by the Rivers Huron, Ver-
million and Culiere and Encamped on a Sandy Beach
to the Westward one mile off the Riviere au Roche a
little after dark sometime after all the Boats except
one had arrived being about 8 o'clock the weather
moderate rather calm a surf set in on this Beach from
the N W. and that so suddenly as to entirely perish
25 of our long Boats or Galleys, damaging a great
quantity of our ammunition and provisions and wash-
ing away great part of our baggage. Left at our last
Encampment the young warriors of the Hurons Otta-
was, and Jibbeways of Detroit who were on the point
of proceeding against the Ennemy in 3 parties, one
against the Delawares and two against the Shawanese
which makes 4 parties from our Troops now intended
immediately to strike on the ennemy. During our
Distress our Savages never offered us the least assist-
ance. Remark this unfortunate accident must be im-
puted to the entire negligence of the Troops.
19*^ A fall of slight snow and sleet mixed. Re-
turns given in of the Number of Boats fit for service
and repairable ; also of the Provisions. Offered my
services this morning to Col Bradstreet to command
and conduct a party to Fort Pitt as provisions was so
scarce. The rout by the Portage from the River de
Seguein. Wind at N. W & a heavy surf. The Troops
employed in repairing the remainder of their Boats.
The Boat missing last Night arrived this morning &
immediately proceeded into River de Roches Parties
sent to collect Baggage Provisions &*" along shore. At
1 2 o'clock this night we buried our guns 6 Light Brass
6 Pounders the Boats being rendered incapable of
carrying them. This afternoon an Indian Officer, 2
White men & 3 Savages were detached Express to
Fort Erie in a Birch Canoe with orders for 2 Batteaux
loaded & with Provisions to meet us as soon as possi-
ble.
20*** — 115 of our Savages continued their Rout this
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 313
morning by land in order to lighten our Boats — they
are directed to meet us at Grand Riviere and each
supplied with a Pound of Powder and proportion of
Ball. Wind at W. N. W attended with a great surf.
Parties employed in repairing their Boats. At 3
o'clock this afternoon the whole proceeded into the
River de Roches excepting 5 Boats that continued
their Rout without orders, as some of the 5 Boats be-
longed to the So*** and not having more than their full
compliment of Provisions and their Compliment of
men, the remainder were ordered immediately to march
along the Lake to overtake them. This night blew
a violent Gale of wind at South. The mouth of this
River very difficult to enter and strangely altered the
waters having surprisingly fallen. The Great advan-
tage that would chiefly accrue from Re-establishing
the several Posts on these Lakes, lately taken by the
Ennemy would be the dividing the Savages from hav-
ing only one or two General Rendezvous, or markets
for their Furs, the Indians would all Resort to it which
might be dangerous, whereas having many, provided
the communication could be kept up, prevent their
having any general councils which naturally ever tend
to subvert our measures, another service several
posts would create — the gaining the Intelligence of
any general design of those savages that are ill dis-
posed.
21". The parties employed as before in repairing their
Boats, some of which can hardly be kept afloat from the
Damage received. In the mouth of the River made a
Dam to contain the water in the River as the water
had fallen 18 inches perpendicular since last night,
also cleared the Channel for the Boats. At 1 2 o'clock
opened the Dam and all the Boats proceeded being 36
in number and arrived at the River de Seguein at 2
o'clock. This afternoon a strong Detachment of the
Troops under the Command of a Field officer were
obliged to march out of it for want of sufficient room
in the Boats. Found the entrance of this river en-
314 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
tirely changed by the violent gales of wind shifting the
Sandy Bars & Banks & extremely dangerous to enter
at a strong N.W wind. Wind this day at S.S.W.
blowing a perfect gale but an off shore wind making
smooth water and the only secure weather excepting
calms for boats to navigate these Lakes on the South
Side. Obliged from the scarcity of our Boats secretly
to bury on the Point several Keggs & Boxes of mus-
ket and carabine Ball.
22°"^. At 7 o'clock a detachment of 380 men with 2
days provisions marched off for the River au Biche
and if they should not find our Boats there to con-
tinue their Rout to Grande River as per written In-
structions. At 8 o'clock this morning Continued our
Rout (the same Number of Boats). The wind mod-
erate at S.W but a heavy swell. Some time after we
had sailed the wind rose at W.N.W. a smart Gale &
a high sea which the Boats withstood surprisingly.
Attempted to disembark on a Sandy Beach but found
it not practicable being in danger every instant of fill-
ing by a prodigious surf, could not enter into the
River au Biche so were obliged to keep the sea and
push for Grande River which we "reached about 2
o'clock and entered it in a high surf the wind & waves
encreasing. the rear then 10 miles long but fortunately
reached their Port in an hour. A Ranger detachment
back to the River au Biche returned without meeting
the party, at 5 o'clock this afternoon marched off a
field officer and the same number of men as before.
A violent storm all this night blowing from the N.
West. This is the only River between Fort Erie and
Sandusky that can be depended on for safety when
the Gale sets in this shore & at this season. This
River has an Entrance at this season of about 50 feet
wide but about 10 feet deep at the Gut.
23'** The weather very tempestuous. Wind at NW
attended with Showers of melted Snow and Hail.
Several water spouts observed in the Lake. I went
up the Grande Riviere or Cayahaga creek to discover
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 315
how far it was navigable, found it so far 5 miles for a
barge at a place called le petit rapide. Arrived the
party that marched from the River de Sequien, several
farties went a hunting, returned without success,
.earnt that Huron Savages sent a hunting to meet us
here are still behind.
24*^ — Two men from the 60'** Deserted. Went up
the Creek & made a Draught of it (with the Bearings
& distances) to the Rapids. A Storm at N.W with
Sleet. The afternoon moderate and the sea sufficiently
lulled to proceed but could not being too far advanced
in the Day to reach the River de Debouillie. Parties
went a hunting not very successful. Some few sav-
ages arrived from their Hunt to this River the ap-
. pointed Rendezvous and upon their arrival were
obliged to furnish them with provisions notwithstand-
ing our scarcity they having been unsucessful in hunt-
ing and having many of their people sick. Drew out
Seines, found nothing. Remark — Waters rise & fall,
as the wind sets either off or on shore.
25*^. Thirty Eight Barrels of Flour & 24 of Pork
only remaining for victualling all the Troops & Sav-
ages now present A Detachment of 80 more york-
ers continued Rout by Land. Some of our Indians
arrived waiting provision having left the rest of the
party encamped up this River, but sickly. This morn-
ing for the most part wind at NW violent, attended
with a heavy surf. The remainder of the morning
calm, but between i and 2 in the afternoon the wind
blew suddenly fresh at S.W, a perfect hurricane for 2
Hours & i which beat down the swell somewhat &
ended in an entire calm and at 5 o'clock, in an Instant
blew a storm again at NW, hardly able to keep our
tents standing being chiefly pitched on a sandy beach.
Parties went a hunting and others in collecting wild
roots and vegetables. One of the Indian Birch Ca-
noes put to sea but was obliged to return. This
squally weather accompanied with Snow Rain and
Hail. This Beech very black.
3l6 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
2&^ October 1764. Another of our long Boats con-
demned belonging to the company of Light Infantry
of the Yorkers. That Company immediately ordered
to march. A Storm at NW with an immense high
sea, raising the water at the mouth of this River in \ of
an Inch of Ice. Weather very cold and bleak. The
parties not very successful hunting on account of their
numbers. The Indians shot this day 3 Elks. The
woodland in this neighborhood very fertile on both
sides of the River and in the Depths abounding with
stately tree Timber. Great scarcity of Fish after sev-
eral attempts with the Seine. Deserted 3 men from
the Jersey Battalion.
ly^. A storm at N.W. and a great sea running with-
out The Army now commencing \ allowance this
day. Two days full allowance delivered out to the
whole for to last 4 days. Upon the nicest calculation
of our present state of Provisions there is 19 days
flour & 14 days Pork at 8 ounces of Flour & 5 oz of
Pork for each man for 1000 men not including the
party of near 500 men detached towards & now sup-
posed to be without a morsel of Provisions. Powder
again delivered to the Indians who tho' ever so suc-
cessful in their hunting never give the least assistance
to the Troops. NB. no allowance made for damaged
Provision in this calculation. A Serjeant missing from
the Jersey Troops.
28*. The Gale still Continueing at about West
by North. 50 men consisting of the Battalions of
Jersey & Canada set off through the woods to make
the best of their way to Fort Erie, a Schooner was
this morning discovered clawing off the Land by her
course bound to Detroit, she was close reefed and
within 3 or 4 leagues from the Shore. Being so much
distressed for Provision made several signals to bring
her too, by Firing 3 volleys of Musketry, of 100 men,
making smokes, and Hoisting colours on the Tops of
Trees, the distance being very great & I suppose our
Signals unobserved, she continued her course. The
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 317
waves SO high we could not venture a boat to sea,
notwithstanding our distress for Provisions. Remark.
In the 2 last vessels that brought us Provisions at
Sandusky 60 Barrels were Condemned. One man
deserted from the 46* Detachment This night the
Huts of the Detachment of the 60* took Fire and con-
sumed them with some of their arms which discharged
in the Flames. That part of the Troops encamped
over this River decamped and encamped on the West
side. *
29* October. The storm still continuing. Wind at '
nw* with a great sea. Remark — that while the surf
beats in on the shore its a Maxim with voyagers that
the wind is expected always from the Lake in a short
time though it should at that time blow a gale at the
opposite quarter. Two men suffered greatly by the
falling of a Tree. A Canoe with Canadians attempted
to put to sea, but could not withstand it, so returned
with difficulty.
30*. At 7 o'clock this morning the whole proceeded,
the wind at S.S.W. The N.W swell continuing. At
1 2 o'clock, the swell encreasing, put ashore and hauled
up our Boats, the weather threatening and our Rear
as usual very long (generally 6 miles ) . The weather ap-
pearing more favourable and the surf abating launched
our Boats & embarked & arrived this night at the
River de D'Ebouillie, not capable at this season of
admitting even a light Batteaux. Encamped on the
East side of the River upon a most excellent Beach
and protected by an outer shoal thrown up by the
North Westers. In short the navigation of this Lake
cannot be depended on above 5 months in the year.
31". At daylight continued on our Rout Took up
a lame man on the border of the Lake belonging to
the last detachment party. The weather calm till
about I o'clock, at which time a N East wind sprung
up with a great sea, which obliged us to put on shore.
At the River de Villej'oin which we succeeded in but
with great difficulty hauled up our Boats on that
3l8 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Beach the Channel of the River being barred up by an
Extensive shoal over which the water Breaks. En-
camped here. The Boats in general were but faintly
rowed the Troops being so straightened for provisions
and became weak. Two men of the So*** poisoned by
eating a root resembling that of the parsnip one of
which immediately died. An excellent hunting coun-
try fertile and well Timbered with Beechwood &^
Officers & Soldiers greatly distressed for want of the
necessary refreshments of Life. All the Troops having
been detained much longer than intended or ever
ought to be in such a boisterous and severe season
and so far from any relief Nine Boats wanting sup-
posed to have been obliged to make the shore earlier.
November 3''* 1 764. At 6 o'clock this morning the
whole proceeded. The wind at S. W with a tum-
bling sea and at 8 o'clock reached the Rapids, laid on
our oars and drove down the stream waiting for the
remainder of the Boats fearing lest they should miss
the Channel on ace' of the Falls. Found 3 Long
Boats which had pushed for the river in the night.
At II o'clock arrived at Little Niagara & encamped.
The works at Fort Erie ordered by Co* Bradstreet to
be discontinued from this day being nearly compleated
except the wharf, for the vessels.
4* The regular Troops decamped and marched
from this place to Niagara with their Baggage (The
Provincials and Canadians &^ still remaining) Part
encamped on the Glacis and part into the Barracks
of the Fort. Arrived the Schooner and the Snow
Johnson from Ontario the latter (that was laid up)
was refitted and put to sea on account of the loss of
the Mohawk (drove to pieces) in a gale of wind in
the harbour of Ontario. At present at anchor here
3 vessels. This day was got over the Portage i of
the Long Boats. Some Oxen killed for the Troops.
Wind blowing hard at N E with Snow but as soon
dissolved.
5*. Received orders for Examining into the sundry
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 3I9
repairs wanting to the Barracks for the present found
them neither wind or weather tight. Examined the
Stone Powder Magazine which is very damp having a
creek the whole length of the center of the arch its
situation is remarkably bad on account of fire and in
my opinion the Garrison is in great danger from it.
A court of Enquiry held with regard to the draughting
the 80*** into the 46* Regiment in order to know what
men are entitled to their discharges &c. Wind N. E.
6***. The men of the 80* Reg' draughted into the
46***. Wind at N E blowing a Gale of wind, lulled in
the evening & then sprung up to the westward of
North.
7*. Wind at S. W'. Parties employed in bringing
some Long Boats over the carrying Places.
8^. Orders given for the Troops to embark on
board the 3 vessels with Co^ Bradstreet for Ontario
the Provincials Canadians &^ to proceed in the Long
Boats & Batteaux. This evening deserted from the
46^ — seventeen of the draughted from the 80* Regi-
ment with 3 Seneca Indians for their Guides. Four-
teen days provisions embarked on board the vessels for
Ontario. The wind all this day blowing fresh at N.
W. Five of the long Boats now got over the carry-
ing place together with the Batteaux at this place
destined to transport the Provincials & Canadians to
their Winter Quarters. Directions given to the Assis-
tant Engineer, left at Niagara with regard to building
a large storehouse at Little Niagara and enlarging the
Post.
9^**. At 10 o'clock this day Co* Bradstreet and the
regular troops consisting of the Detachments of the
55'** 60*** and Royal Artillery with the 80* Regiment
& some Indians embarked on board the snow, Sloop
and Schooner and Set sail for Ontario, the wind at N
West but soon failed. Early this morning Silverheels,
a Seneca with 6 more Indians were dispatched by
Co* Bradstreet in pursuit of the Deserters and to
bring them in dead or alive, at the same time sent a
320 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
String of wampum to the Senecas Castles to acquaint
them therewith and not to suffer them to shelter them-
selves there upon penalty of breaking their peace, on
the contrary to apprehend and deliver them up to us
immediately.
lo***. Wind blowing hard at E S. E till lo o'clock
this morning, with a very high sea, we could not lay
our course, and losing ground every Tack we put
about before the wind & bore away for Niagara.
The wind shifting from N to South and being impos-
sible to enter the River of Niagara after having bore
away 15 miles we pursued our Rout for Ontario. The
weather turned Calm accompanied with a very tum-
bling sea the Major part of the day, in the Evening
the wind sprung up very fresh at E. N. East and con-
tinued so with a great swell all this night. Observed
one of our Long Boats under the Land, supposed to
be some of the Provincials returning to Ontario.
II*. At 2 o'clock this morning a Breeze sprung up
at S. East at 4 rather fresh at S S. East & con-
tinued on that Quarter till 9 o'cl'k attended with
rain but not very cold. At 9 the wind veered to the
W. of South, the Sky clearing up, still very fresh (a 9
knot gale) which lasted till about one when it began
to blow very hard at west & 3 vessels running 10
knots with a very high sea, carried away our Ciaff,
however at 5 o'clock this evening being very near dark,
arrived within the River Oswego in a very high Surf,
not without striking the Bar several times and remaining
on it, till by dint of some fortunate Seas that threw us
into the River on our arrival found the snow Johnson
(which run in i of an hour before us) cast away at the
E* side of the mouth of the River having lost her Rud-
der, but the lives saved, in ^ an hour after arrived the
Schooner which shared the same fate of our vessel in
beating on the Bar though her entrance into the River
was much facilitated as the Wind had got to W N
West. The Troops disembarked and the utmost dil-
igence was used both by them and those of the Gar-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 32 1
rison to preserve the vessel and Baggage &^ All
this night a perfect Tempest with a snow drift, the
wind chiefly N. W and extremely cold. Remark —
by the violence of the Wind and waves in this season,
the Impropriety of Navigating these Lakes is plainly
demonstrated from repeated Instances.
12*. Set off from Fort Ontario.
19*^. Arrived at Schnectady and this night reached
Albany.
20***. Engaged a Sloop for New York.
21". Received Co^ Bradstreet's dispatches for the
Comm"^ in Chief at New York,
22°*^. Set Sail in a Sloop from Albany for New
York.
23^**. November. Arrived at New York in 26 Hours
from Albany. Waited on the Comm' in Chief and de-
livered the Dispatches from Colonel Bradstreet.
December 6^**. Arrived Major Small from the South-
ward with advices of the Cessation of Arms and deliv-
ering up of the Prisoners in Consequence of their
Operations carried on in the Delaware and Shawa-
nese country on the River Ohio.
7*. Arrived the Packet Captain Goddard from Fal-
mouth. Received orders from Captain Gordon Chief
Engineer to make a Report of the present state of the
several Posts in the Western District.
9'**. Orders this day Major General Gage appointed
Commander in Chief, General Amherst resigned.
Distance^ Rout and Time^ the Troops took under the
Command of Colonel Bradstreet, from the rapids
or Discharge of Lake Erie to the Fort at Detroit,
making a circuit of the whole Lake by the Miamis.
To Point Aubnau 2 Hours . . . distance 9 miles
River Sable 6 *' ... do 27
Ance aux Feuilles 4^ " ... " 27
River Chatacouan 3^^ " ... '* 15
Sandy Cove 7^ " ... " ^7
t€
t(
21
322 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Presqu' Isle 3 Hours. . .distance 12 miles
Istmus . . '. of " ... " 4
River Villejoin 2f " ... " 17
Grande Riviere 1 1^ " ... " 63
River de Seguein 6 " ... '* 36
River de Roches i^ " ... *' y^ *"
River a la Culiere 4^ " ... " 21
River de Vermillion ... 2^ " ... " 13
River Huron passed by
Sandusky Lake 6 " ... " 26^ '*
12 Mile Island 3) " •-. " 18 "
Manitou Cove i j "
Pointe aux Cedre 7 "... " 34^
River aux Raisins 2^ " ... ** lof
To Detroit 10 '* ... *' 47^
<<
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85i 425*
VIII.
Albany & New York. John Montresor's Journal
January 29th 1765.
1765 — On Tuesday January 29* the Hudson's
River was froze across so as Sleighs and people to
pass to the opposite side from New York. Employed
in assisting Cap' Henry Gordon Chief Engineer in
making a plan of part of North America shewing the
upper Lakes and Posts thereon together with the
several passes, Portages, Ranges of Mountains,
sources of Rivers, for the Marquis of Granby, Master
General of the Ordnance.
February 25*. Wrote to Cap' Schuyler to draw for
the payment of the Captain's last Expedition 629 ;^I2.
New York Currency on R** Forman as per General's
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 323
Direction. Drew a fair draught for the General of
Detroit and Environs with designs for its Improve-
ment &^ Made a state of the Works of the Western
District for the Command' in Chief by order of the
Chief Engineer Captain Gordon. Directed by the
Com' in Chief to pay Col Bradstreet Capital as per
ace* presented to him.
March 4*. Directed by the Chief Engineer to make
an Estimate of the works necessary to be carried on,
Repairs &c at Detroit Fort, Erie, Niagara &c for the
present year, also an estimate for Number of Men,
Time, Materials and Expenses. Completed the
former and delivered it in this night the latter to be
got ready to proceed by the Packet
5*. Directed this morning by Captain Gordon to
countermand Cap* Schuyler's Draught for the pay-
ment of the Corps by the first opportunity, as he shall
protest the Bill.
7*^. Received orders from Cap* Gordon to prepare
for to proceed to Detroit very soon.
10*. I finished the Estimate of this year s Expenses
for the Western District and presented it this Day.
The Com' in Chief declined sending me immediately
to Detroit on ace* of my health.
17* Sailed the Grece — Cap* Chambers for Bristol,
Captain Williams Engineer Passenger by whom I
wrote to Lord Townsend and sent his Lordship a box
of Indian Curiosities. By whom went the new com-
pleted plan of great part of N. America done by the
Engineers at New- York.
19*\ Rec** orders from Cap* Gordon to draw
another fair draught of Detroit and the Designs to it
for the General immediately.
22"**. A Fall of Snow of 8 Inches, wind at N. E &
weather moderate.
23**. A meeting of Engineers to make an abstract
from the General Report for the West this year.
Finished it for the Com' in chief.
324 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
24***. A fall of Snow of 12 Inches deep. Wind at N.
E. arrived the Packet from Falmouth.
25*. Presented a Petition to the h\ Gov' Mr
Golden for 3000 acres of Land on the west side of
Lake Ghamplain called Ligonier Point with Schuyler's
Island and les Isles de Quatres Vents the whole
amounting to 3000 acres.
27^. Applied to the Gomm' in Ghief for leave to
drink the Waters at Shrewsbury and the Yellow
Springs beyond Philadelphia for a few weeks to get
the better of my complaint in my Breast. Granted.
31". Wrote to Jn"* Boddington Esq which saiFd this
day by the Brig Polly to London.
April i". Waited on the Comm' in Ghief for his
Dispatches for the Southward. Waited on the Ghief
Engineer.
2""*. Set off this afternoon for Philadelphia, crossed
the Ferry and arrived at the narrows on Long-Island.
3'^'*. Crossed the Ferry to Staaton Island from
thence by the North Blazing Star to another Ferry
and so to Wood-Bridge.
4**". Continued to Brunswick, crossed the Ferry,
passed Kingstown and arrived this night at Prince-
town.
5^. Proceeded to Trenton, crossed the River Dela-
ware and arrived at Bristol.
6'\ Continued. Grossed the River Neshamony and
arrived at Philadelphia, 95 miles from New York.
17'*'. Set off from Philadelphia and crossed the
Ferry at Schuylkill.
iS'*'. Arrived at the Yellow Springs, situated on a
Mountain in the township of Pikeland, Chester County
having Berks County between it and the Frontiers, it
is 32 miles from Philadelphia, 26 of which is in the
Lancaster road and the other 6 through a mountain-
ous Country resembling the Highlands near New
York.
26**". Rec** a letter from Sir Jeffrey Amherst of the
9th of Feb, from London.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN. MONTRESOR. 325
30*. Went to the Iron Works on French Creek.
May 4* 1765. Went to the River Schuylkill.
Heavy Rains from the beginning of the month.
9*. A Frost in the night both white and black which
blighted the clover Hickory ^ &\ Heavy Rains.
10*. A very backward spring, the trees not at
their full & the shrubs only commencing their foliage.
Left off fires this day for the first time.
13***. Received a letter from General Burton.
14*. Set off from the Yellow Springs for Phila-
delphia and arrived at Moore Hall — 7 miles.
15*. Arrived at German-Town — Twenty miles.
16*. Arrived at Philadelphia,
18*. Rode to Springsborough.
19*. To Schuylkill Falls.
2I*^To the Banks of Schuylkill River, called the
Banks of P Sion.
27*. Set off from Philadelphia for Shrewsbury.
Crossed the Delaware at Dunk's Ferry — 16 miles and
four miles further reached Burlington.
28***. Set off this evening and put up 7 miles. Sandy
road.
29***. Continued and passed Crosswick Creek. 7
miles further then four miles to Allentown about J^
mile out of town turned to the South Eastward to
Shrewsbury and put up at Lewis's near the Pines.
30*. Proceeded. Passed through Freehold in Mon-
mouth County, also through Shrewsbury and arrived
at the Bleek Point, ^3 Miles this day, in all 76 from
Philadelphia.
yune 3'**. Went to Deal from Bleek Point and so to
the Shore by the way of Shrewsbury and returned
making 27 miles.
4*^. Went through Shrewsbury toward Tinton and
returned.
5*. A Storm at North East, with Rain.
7*. Went to Deal to remain.
326 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
15* Set off for Amboy.
20* Returned to Deal. From this time to the
1 2* of July through several parts of this East Jersey.
July 1 2*. Arrived at Bleek Point to remain for some
time.
13***. A prodigious hot and sultry day. Wind at
West and this night scarce able to exist — very close
and cloudy and scarce a breath of air.
14*. Received a letter from Co' Robert Ross of my
commission in the 48* being disposed of.
17*. Went to Middletown, to a remarkable fine
prospect and returned the same day — the road Sandy
— went by the way of Red Bank Ferrj'.
iS***. Went to Shrewsbury from Bleek Point and
returned.
20***. Went to the Highlands of Neversink, one of
the most conspicuous Landfalls in North America, as
the Highlands of Hispotogen in Nova Scotia and
Mount Desert in the Bay of Fundy. An extraordinary
sultry hot and disagreeable night
21**. A prodigious Hot day the wind at W S W.
Embarked some of my baggage from Bleak Point to
New York and sent a servant. Passed by Garland
Man of war and came to an anchor on the Sea Bass
banks near opposite to Deal. This the Hottest day I
ever felt.
22~*. Went beyond Shrewsbury and returned to
Bleak Point.
28*. Set off from Newark and arrived at the P'saick
Falls, being 16 miles.
29*. Arrived at New York this night. Set off this
day from the P'saick Falls by the way of Hackensack
and continued to Bergen by a road on the top of a
mountain about 10 miles long and without a house, a
bad road as 'tis often gullied and too narrow for any
carriage but just those of the Boorish peasants that
herd there. In all 27 miles and Two Ferries.
August 2"**. This morning received some memoran-
dums from Captain Gordon Chief Engineer for acting
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 327
in New York in his absence and this evening he set
sail for Albany for Detroit.
5*. Wrote to the Chief Engineer concerning Bills.
8*. Packed up the two Boxes of Indian Curiosities
and sent them on board the Elizabeth Cap" Hunter for
London, directed to Co^ James Montresor to the care
of Jn° Boddington Esq'. Came accounts that our
Illinois Express got safe to New Orleans by the
Mississippi.
g^. Arrived L' Hughes express to the Commander
in Chief here, with accounts of disputes arising in
Canada with regard to the Governors refusal of quar-
antine of troops.
1 2*. Wrote to the Chief Engineer, concerning trans-
acting^ his business here at New York for him.
14 . Mornings and evenings sensibly cooler. Set off
for Springhill on Long Island and returned the 17*.
19*. Wrote to the Chief Engineer and to several
officers employed at the upper Posts. Came in
accounts of Co^ Croghan's being attacked and wounded
in going up the River Ouabasn with presents to the
Illinois Indians, he being attacked by some disaffected
Miamis & Mascoutins. Major Smallman also
wounded, 2 Delaware Chiefs and some Shawanese
killed.
28***. Waited on the General and received his orders to
pass the Bills & pay them as presented to the present
time amounting to 1500;^ sterling.
30*^. Heavy thunder and Lightning struck the Town
in two places, split the mast of an Albany sloop,
moving down the River and killed one man.
Septe7nber 3'**. Arrived the Ordnance transport with
Stores & the relief for the artillery, came Cap' Wil-
liams Engineer passenger, disembarked the Troops
and marched them into the Fort.
4***. Came accounts of Riots at New Port regarding
the Stamp act — pulling down of Houses &*".
5^*". Advice of more riots at Boston regarding the
Stamp act. Pulling down and robbing the Lieu' Gov-
328 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ernor. Register of the Admiralty and Comptroller's
Houses. This day the Commander in Chief sent for
me and requested of me to reconnoitre Fort George*
and examine its situation and defences and make
report for making it more respectable against any
intestine Insult as expected. Complied with his
Order 2 o'clock P M and completed and presented by
4 ; just two hours after together with a sketch and
return of Tools and materials from the Ordnance
store and brought into the Fort, the same night
6*. Arrived Tools, Ammunition &*" into the Fort.
The Governor requested of me to give him a copy
of the Report I gave to the Commander in Chief,
which I did for his private perusal Excessive heaL
Farenheit — Thermometer 82*" at Eight o'clock at nighL
7*. Every precaution taking by the Commander in
Chief, the Lieu' Governor & Military Officers that is
the Artillery & myself for securing Fort George as a
receptacle for the Stamps.
8*. The Garland Ship of War, sent to the Narrows
and the Hawke to the Hook for the security of the
Stamps hourly expected. The officers of Artillery
very diligent in preparing the artillery and ammunition
on the works of Fort George.
9*. Presented some Bills to the General for his
approbation of payment. Passed them. Gave the
General a memorial for ;^iooo sterling to pay off the
bills due and others expected. Signified to the Gen-
eral the necessity of Ordering plank of Oak, 3 inches
to be purchased and sent into the Fort 2000 feet
running. Neither agreed nor yet refused but un-
determined. I urged the matter lest it should be
too late. The Howitzer from the Ordnance yard not
wanted — brought into the Fort and the useless Mortar
* Fort George was built by the Dutch about 1614. From i6i4to 1626
it was called Fort Manhattes, 1626 to 1664, Fort Amsterdam, 1664 to
1673, Fort James, 1673 to 1674, Wm. Hendrick, 1674 to 1689, Fort
James, 1689 to 1691, Fort William, 1691 to 1702, Fort William Henr>',
1702 to 1714, Fort Anne, and 17 14 to 1783, Fort George. The fort
was demolished in 1788. (Valentine.)
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 329
fuses sent on board his Maj'esty's Ship the Coventry
now lying off the Ordnance Store House, for its pro-
tection, as there now is in it 13.000 Stand of Arms &".
10***. Was sent for by the Comm' in Chief this after-
noon directing me to proceed to morrow or next day
for Albany to examine the King's Store Houses &
Stabling &*" to be disposed of by publick auction and
to build a Provision Store where Fort Orange or
Orannia stood — to sell one of the Soldiers Barracks
built in 1765, and to advertize the Same in the pub-
lick Prints. Took my passage this evening in an Al-
bany Sloop. My orders as usual verbal.
II*. Foul wind. The Comm' in Chiefs verbal orders
I committed to writing concerning what I was to do
and carry out at Albany. Shewed him a copy of the
advertisements. Approved of.
12*. Wind at N. West a Gale. Could not proceed
up the Hudson River.
13*. At 4 o'clock this afternoon set off for Albany,
notwithstanding the wind Northerly.
14*. Northerly winds till the afternoon & Southerly
wind springing up th** against the tide of ebb, reached
the Highlands and the tide of flood making in the
night, continued and came to anchor within 4 miles
of New Windsor where the old Glass hou^e stood
now burnt down. (Remark) The flood rises in this
River at Albany 3 feet and was to the Flats 4 miles to
the North in low waters.
15***. Weighed anchor about 9 o'clock this morning
— the tide of flood making — the wind light but foul
at due North — came to at 2 o'clock P M. Weighed
again at 6 o'clock — the wind fair but light — came to
at ID — weighed in the night tide & by the morning were
only 20 miles to the Northwards of the Highlands.
Went on shore on the west side of the River — land
barren being a light sand and attended with a great
Drought.
16*^. The tide making at 9 am — weighed — the wind
Northerly and came to an anchor at 3 o'clock P M
33^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
off Staatsburgh. The water very fresh & fit for use
commencing about 12 miles to the northwards of the
Highlands. The lands after the barren Highlands are
very bad till verj^ near Albany, on both sides of the
River except in Intervals. Albany fits out 25 Sloops
for the New York produce from thence, which they
transport is Boards, Wheat & Rye principally, these
Sloops are now become so numerous as to much
injure each other. Continued this night the tide mak-
ing & come to an anchor before day light within 4
miles of the Manor of Livingston.
17*. Weighed anchor at 10 o'clock this morning —
the wind fair at South — and the tide opposite and
reached Albany at 4 o'clock this afternoon. Waited
on the mayor but he was gone to New York. Waited
on Colonel Bradstreet. Remark — When it is High
water at Sandy Hook it is at Albany and then it is
low water at Pollypull's Island the North of the
Highlands.
18*^. The Mayor not being in town presented
the Commander in chiefs letter to the Recorder who
proposed this same day to direct a meeting of the
Corporation with regard to it and to let me know the
result. Wrote to the Commander in Chief relative to
my proceedings here. This evening desired to attend
the meeting of the Corporation — agreed by them —
that the Crown should have the Ground where Fort
Orange Stood for a store house conditionally that
the General would also give them leave to take down
the new pile of barracks or figure of H and rebuild it
to a good spot and near an excellent spring contiguous
to the Fort, all at their expence and the Mayor not
being present, must defer the point till the day of
the sale October 5*. Waited on Col Bradstreet who
refused me to interfere in his Department with regard
to the Storehouses, barracks and Kings Stabling
being disposed of, as I had neither written instruction,
nor had he any direction from the Commander in Chief
to that Intent.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 33 1
I9*\ Began on the Survey of the Several public
Buildings. Wrote again to the Commander in Chief
regarding the result of the meeting of the Corporation.
20'**. Dated my yesterday's letter to the Commander
in Chief the 20*. This letter with that to him of the
18* went this day on board an Albany Sloop for York.
Continued on the survey of the several publick
buildings.
21**. Continued on my survey of the publick Build-
ings.
22"*". Sunday — Waited on the Mayor, being an-
swered from New York. Agreed to meet him again
the next morning.
23"*. Went to the Mayor's and acquainted him with
the result of the meeting of the Corporation (which I
attended) and requested his answer with regard to the
ground where Fort Orange stood for the proposed store-
houses. Answer. That he should call his corporation
again to morrow afternoon and that he believed ever
should correspond to the satisfaction of the Com-
mander in Chief — that when at York he had treated with
him on that subject and that with regard to the site of
the new pile of Barracks and the Provision store he
wished for the arrival of the Packet to determine it. I
read him my two letters to the Comm' in Chief
which he agreed corresponded with the Recorders
account to him of the purport of that meeting held the
iS'*' Instant.
September 2A^. No account from the Mayor. Ex-
amined the principal Provision Store and found it in
pretty good order & except the lower part which is
somewhat decayed through the humidity of the
Ground it being situated in the centre of the Street.
Accounts arrived of Pondiacs submission at Detroit,
also of the arrival of Mr. Crogan from the Miamis.
28***. Post day, but no letter from the General in
answer to mine he received. Nor in consequence of
the arrival of the Packet regarding the building the
new Provision Store and removing the old one.
33^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
29*. Waited on the Mayor to have the determinations
of their meetings of the corporations answers ; it end-
ed as when I was present — for this — the new Barracks
stood on the Ground to be disposed of to make an
Equivalent for the ground where Fort Orange stood
purchased from the Elders of the Dutch church.
30*. Called on Col Bradstreet to. know whether he
had received any letters from the Comm' in Chief with
regard to delivering up the Store Houses and Barracks
to me. Answer in the Negative. But as I was a Publick
Officer he delivered them up to me notwithstanding,
excepting the stables on Matthew's Island & the wood
Magazine near Mr. Kilby's Provision Store. I ad-
vised the Commissary of Stores (Mr. Wray) to remove
his Stores into the Provision Store for the Present as
there was no immediate prospect of its removal, at
least for this Winter, also for those belonging to the
Quarter M' General's Department to remain in the
said Store for the above reasons. Asked the Mayor
for the North gate Stone wall for the Intended Store
House Cellering.
October i". On Col Bradstreets granting the above
I immediately placarded the advertisement both at
Albany and Schnechtady as directed the Town Cryer
to acquaint the publick therewith.
2°^ Great inconveniences arising by the disposal
of the waggon House on account of the several Gun
Carriages &c &c.
3'**. Recommended to the Commissary of Stores to
remove his Gun Carriages into the New pile of Bar-
racks there not being room elsewhere. The Door
must then be enlarged for that purpose. Accounts to
Sir Wm Johnson that the reason of the Quicepous,
Mescoutins & other Illinois Indians firing on Mr
Croghens & killing the Shawanese Chiefs &*" was
owing to Belts they had received from Monsieur
S' Ange commanding at Fort Chartres to prevent
that party reaching the Illinois which had its desired
effect. Finished the fair Draught of the old Barracks.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. SS3
4* October. Received a letter from the Comm'' in
Chief dated Sept' 25* with his orders to admit the
Corporation to remove the Barracks at their own
cost, when & where they pleased. I drew a fair plan,
Section & elevation of the old Barracks. Waited on
the Mayor & shewed him that paragraph of the Gen-
eral's letter conserning the removal of the North pile
of Barracks & requested the necessary writings drawn
up, both with respect to it & also for the Ground
where Fort Orange stood, both to be in possession of
his Majesty as long as he shall think fit.
5**". According to the Comm' in Chief's orders I
sold by Publick vendue thje Old Barracks, Waggon
House King s Stables in the upper Street and Old
Provision Shed near the water side, the whole amount-
ing to the sum of (only) ;^ioi. 10. o New York cur-
rency. Waited on Col Bradstreet & shewed him
General Gage's letter as per direction in the letter.
Received the General's written Instructions therein,
by desire of my letter to him. Was advised from un-
doubted authority (?' Schuyler from Mr Ten B — k)
that the carpenters propose converting the Barracks
(new Pile) to a poor House, work House and Hospi-
tal looking upon it as altogether their own and that
when the Hospital will not sufficiently contain the
troops quartered in that place upon that emergency
shall lodge the remainder of them in it. I was in-
formed that the Recorder had proposed to the Mayor
that at their publick meeting, Orders should be given
to the Sheriff to pull down the publick Buildings (on
yesterday Oct 4**") they being by them Indited all
which the mayor declared he would Gainsay. I
waited on the mayor that I might peruse the writings
drawn up regarding the replacing the North Pile of
Barracks before anything should take place. Agreed.
October 6***. Inquired of the Mayor whether the
Corporation would of themselves or anyways assist
us in the transporting the Provision Store (now
deemed a nuisance) to where Fort Orange stood.
334 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Also (once more) to grant us the Stone wall, part of
the enciente of the town forming a line with the
North gate, for the Cellaring of the Intended Store-
house. The former agreed to as per a letter from the
Corporation to the General, and with regard to the
latter he should at the General Assembly at New York
make application for it, as it was originally a Province
Expense. That with respect to the North Pile of Bar-
racks the Comm' in Chief had allowed the Corpora-
tion to convert to their own use, to look upon it, as
their own provided it was removed and to quarter the
overplus of troops in it, that could not be contained in
the Hospital. Presented an obligation with regard to
them, which the Mayor deemed needless on the above
ace' that the Corporation had thought fit to have con-
verted it, after it was rebuilt into a work House &c,
which he entirely opposed. That they propose re-
moving it behind the Hospital my advice then was
between the Fort & the Hospital which would also
add to the defence of the Town. Objected to on
account of Fire — that both the Lands where Fort
Orange stood & where the Barracks *****
« ♦ « « « ^Y\Q Stone wall at North Gate found
to be 332 feet long — three feet thick at bottom & 22
inches at top and 10 feet 6 inches thick at the river
and Nine feet at the Town.
8*** Drew a fair Draught of the Provision Store
from yesterdays Survey. Took a survey of the
ground where Fort Orange stood, together with the
slight remains of its old ruins & its environs, in order
to calculate the ground for the situation for the In-
tended Provision Store. Waited on the mayor with
respect to the writings. Informed me the Corpora-
tion would meet this evening. Was sent to by the
Corporation for a copy of that Paragraph of the Gen-
eral s letter of the 25* of Sep' to me concerning the
removal of the New pile Barracks which I delivered.
Arrived Captain Sowers Engineer from his Excursion
to Canada sent to make report of Quebec &c &c*
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 335
October 9*\ Received from the mayor in writing the
Resolution of the Corporation & as he was going to
New York, 'twould be better I was there to confirm
matters, that he should present the General with the
writings and deeds in consequence of the resolution,
taken for his approbation.
lo***. Sailed for New York in an Albany Sloop.
The winds variable — excessively squally — Held to our
combings & with difficulty righted, as we were loaded
with Horses badly fixed which made a very shifting
ballast. Remark — these Skippers never Ballast their
vessels. Another flaw — 6 feet of our bow under water
— Reached Claverce this night. Drove ashore owing
to the Flurry but got off in \ an hour.
11***. Sailed as far as the River Kaatskill — the wind
foul, went on shore up that river, weighed & continued
with light Northerly wind to Osopus. Weather Some-
what cold.
12***. Strong North Easter — drove us to near Phillips
Manor — the weather rather cold.
13*. Arrived at New York this morning — Waited
on the General Sailed the Packet with Lord Adam
Gordon &c.
14*. Delivered to the Comm' in Chief the report
with an account of my proceedings at Albany, also the
Plans, Sections, and Elevations of the several publick
Buildings I had taken there, also the Estimate of
materials for the Intended Storehouse. General
thought fit that the large Storehouse should be re-
built for the several Departments.
15*. Continued drawing my Designs for ^o be con-
structed on the Ground where Fort Orange stood.
19*. Received a letter from the Commander in
Chief dated Ocober 7* by the return of the Albany
post. Requiring the estimate. Continued my designs
and estimates.
22"*". The Frigates fired signals of the arrival of the
vessel with the Stamps — Continued my designs &
Estimates.
33^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
23"*. Arrived the vessel with the Stamps, conducted
by the Coventry & Garland Frigates — 2000 people
(mob) on the Battery expecting the Stamps would be
landed, but were disappointed. However they were
secretly landed in the night and deposited in the
Fort and took charge of by the Governor. Employed
in drawing a fair Draught of my survey of the South
Side of Lake Erie to a scale of 4 miles to an inch
taken by me on the Expedition against the Delaware
and Shawanese under the Command of Colonel Brad-
street in 1 764. Finished my designs for the General
with my estimate amounting to jCi2$6. 5. 4J. Many
placards put up threatening the Lives, Houses and
properties of any one who shall either issue or receive
a stamp.
31" October 1765. Several people in mourning for
the near Issue of the stamps and the Interment of
their liberty. Descended even to the Bag-gammon
Boxes at the merchant's Coffee House, being covered
with Black and the Dice in Crape. This night a mob
in 3 squads went through the Streets crying *' Lib-
erty *' at the same time breaking the Lamps & threat-
ening particulars that they would the next night pull
down their Houses. Some thousands of windows
Broke. Maj'or James of the Royal Artillery — threat-
ened to be buried alive by the Populace as Command-
ing the Troops in the Fort for the protection of the
Stamps. Merchants of this place met to Know whether
they shall carry on trade or not. Agreed in the neg-
ative till the i" of May.
November i". Was sent for by the Governor with
Cap' Sowers Engineer, to (again) inspect into the
present situation of the Fort. We took down the
boarded fences of the wood yard and part of the Gar-
den that screened the fire of the Flank, also removed
from the Works, the wood that was piled against
them, divided the Crows foot in 4 parts for the Gates
& Sorties, fixed the Chevaux des fraises, within the
Gate 4 deep & picketed those in the Works, cleared
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. ^T^J
the pile-wood from the left face of the North Polygon
to give a raking fire to the right Flank Guns — Made
our report to the General. This by request of the
Governor & direction from the General. This night
the Rabble or rather Rebels assembled again early in
the evening & Continued the Riot till 4 this morning,
their numbers about 2000 during which time they
broke open the Governor's coach house under the
Fort fire & then took out his chariot & 2 Sleighs
& a chair which they burnt in the Bowling Green with
effigies & Gallows &c &c. attempted some to get
over the walls of the Fort, menacing the Troops to
fire which the Governor prudently kept up — notwith-
standing as a great slaughter would have been the
consequences. 300 Carpenters belonging to the mob
were collected & prepared to attempt to cut down the
Fort Gate on the first Shot fired from thence. From
thence they proceeded to Major James' House and
there after breaking every window, cut down all the
window shutters & broke down all the Partitions —
then they distroyed 9 J casks of Wine & distroyed &
Stole all his plate, Furniture, apparel Books &'' to the
value of ;^ 1 500. (Artillery officers & Guard to the
Goal). The Mob got the permission to toll the Bells
of the several churches, meetings and other Houses
of worship except the churches of England, which they
broke into & tolled the bells beginning at \ after Nine.
2°** November. The Engineers all on Duty this
night to fortify the Fort — its Garrison between 150 and
200 strong. The Lieu' Governor declared he would
do nothing in relation to the Stamps but let it rest
with Sir Henry Moore, the Governor duly Expected
to do as he pleases on his arrival. Money extracted
from private people or die, others threatened their
public chests, city treasure. Custom House &c.
3"*. Obliged to spike our Guns on the Battery &
also the Ordnance Guns in the Artillery yard. The
Engineers Roster settled Cap' Gordon for duty this
night — Garrison 153 Rank & file and near 30 officers.
22
33^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR-
Made lodgements in the Saliants of the 4 Bastions with
fire wood & picketted it. Barricaded the front gate
with Cord wood being only the wicket. All the Offi-
cers in town were ordered from Head Quarters to
attend at the Fort every afternoon at 4 o'clock and
those for duty continued there 24 hours. Even the
master of the vessel who brought the Stamps his life
being threatened, was obliged to fly.
4^. The Stamps refused to be taken on board of
the men of war by order of Captain Kenneday, as per
papers of the Corporation refusing both them & the
L' Governor. The Comm' in Chief waited on the
Governor, as per message by Col Reid, for his opin-
ion. Advertisements throughout the Town threat-
ening the lives of particulars. Many stragglers
thronging in with arms from several parts even Con-
necticut, for plunder &*". The Fort pretty well under
cover this night. The Governors Family obliged to seek
protection on borrd His Majesty's Ship the Coventry-.
5'**. Advertisements and many papers placarded
throughout this city declaring the storming of the
Fort this Night under cover of burning the Pope and
pretender unless the Stamps were delivered. At last
by the advice of the Council, opinion of the Comm' in
Chief and earnest request of the Corporation, the
Stamps were delivered up to the mayor & Corpora-
tion they to be responsible to the Crown to the amount
of what these Stamps would come to when distributed,
also any damages they shall sustain, loss &c and that
he delivered to them as his Majesties Naval officer
would'nt receive 'em on board his Majesty's Ships
and that he should not have delivered them at all but
to prevent an effiision of Blood and the Calamities of
a civil war which his withholding them seemed to
threaten. Seven Boxes of Stamps were delivered and
proceeded to the city Hall in Carts and deposited
there attended by 5000 people. I was on duty at
Fort George this night. A Detachment of Artillery
consisting of 50 men arrived in the Fort at 5 this
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. S39
afternoon from Detroit and the western communica-
tion to embark for England. The mob it seems in-
tended (as they say) to collect the Comm' in Chief,
also the friends to the Government and have marched
them in front when they purposed the attempt of
attacking the Fort. One hundred Barrels of Powder
the disaffected had procured. The Governour ordered
double Guards this night notwithstanding. Major
James embarked for England, where he was obliged
to remain, being in danger, otherwise of his life. Two
Guns fired at 4 o'clock p m for the men of War to
their Stations.
6*. Perfect tranquillity (as to appearances) this
day : advertisements put up about Peace proclaimed.
The Governor's family returned from on board the
Man of war. The Lawyers levelled at, by the people,
to be at the bottom of this disloyal Insurection and
seconded by many people of property of the place and
its neighbourhood.
^^. The lawyers deemed by the people here to be
Hornets and Firebrands of the Constution. The
Planners and Incendiaries of the present Rupture.
8*. Sailed the Edward — Cap' Davis with major
James of the Royal Artillery on board for England,
with dispatches to the Secretary of State from the
Lieutenant Governor and General.
10***. Sailed the packet Halifax Cap' Balderson for
Falmouth conducted by the Hawke man of war to the
watering place, as the mail was apprehended to be in
danger. Also sailed the Grace of Bristol. Sent to
Colonel Amherst the late proceedings here, my reports
regarding Fort George and its present state also a
plan showing the Station of the Frigates.
13*. Arrived Sir Harry Moore Governor of New
York and this day was proclaimed at the city Hall and
Fort.
14* November 1765. A very high tide overflowed
the King s wharf.
16*. Fort George dismantled by order of the Gov-
340 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ernor and through his application to the General, by
which I was ordered as Engineer on that service.
19***. Six months provision for 300 men sent to
Albany.
24'''. Sailed the ordnance Transport for England
Raven Cap* Scot with the Relief of the Artillery. In
which went Engineer W" Bard — 35*** by whom I
wrote several letters.
26*. Meeting of the Freeholders to concert meas-
ures and appoint a committee for instructions to their
representatives in the General Assembly.
27*. Reported that the Mob are for having their
assembly first to have the stamp act repealed. To
repeal an act passed by them for no one to trespass
on another man's ground with arms, to detain the
Lieu' Governor's revenue towards defraying the dam-
ages Major James' house sustained. N. B. — the
House and Inhabitants. M' Peter Delancey obliged
to resign his office as Inspector and Stamp distributor
for the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia and New
Hampshire. The Governor sent for Sears, a ring-
leader to preserve the peace of the city.
28*. Three hundred fellows embarked on the Ferry
boats &*" for the opposite shore of Long Island to
intimidate and persecute Mr Zacharias Hud Stamp-
master for Maryland now at Flushing. Orders from
the Comm' in Chief to Cap* Sowers Engineer to make
a report for Sir Harry Moore of the State and Con-
dition of the Forts and Fortresses in this Province
extending to Fort Stanwix to the Westward and
being on the Oneyda Portage and to Isle la Motte in
Lake Champlain to the Northward.
29***. I received Orders from the General by his Aid
de Camp to dismantle the Fort and eraze its present
temporary' parapet and to wait on Sir Harry Moore
the Governor to receive my directions from him, which
I complied with. Warned the detachment of Artillery
and Royal Americans quartered in the fort for the
above purpose.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 34 T
30*. Being S* Andrew's day &" a Holiday was
granted the men, So no work done this day.
December i". It being Sunday — no work to-day. A
son of liberty stabbed with a Bayonet by one of the
Royal Artillery.
December 2°*^ 1765. A gale of wind at N E and con-
tinued wet weather and no work.
3'"*. A storm at West N. West and excessive cold
however got the men paraded and to work. Was
sent for by the Comm' in Chief for my opinion
with regard to the Barracks &'' for quartering Troops
at Albany ; great disputes having cropped up there on
that head so as to occasion a Memorial to him from
the Officers of the Corps of the 60* arrived there.
4*. Continued the party at work (in erazing^ the
f)arapet of Fort George consisting of the Royal Artil-
ery and Royal Americans.
5*^. Persons and Papers obliged to appear before
the assembly concerning the appeals. Mr. George
Harrison and Mr G. Banyer* obliged equally with
their papers to attend the House.
6***. William Smith a Lawyer openly declared by
the Tenerof the Notary Publicks protest drawn up, to
be by and through his advice, th** a person apparently
on the opposite side of the question.
7***. Requested by the Comm' in Chief to let him
have the perusal of the General Draught of this Prov-
ince and also to procure him one of this place and
Enciente with its environs. Coventry and Garland
weighed from the North to the East river.
* Goldsborow Banyer was bom in London, in the year 1724, and came
to America about the year 1737. He was appointed Auditor-General in
1746 and served as Deputy Clerk of the Council for some years. In
1752 he was appointed Register of the Court of Chancery and in the
following year Judge of Probate. He remained in public office until the
termination of the British rule and subsequently continued his residence
at Albany. He filled also some considerable offices under the State Gov-
ernment, and died at Albany in the year 1815, at the age of 91 years,
leaving a large estate to his family. He had married in 1767 Elizabeth
Mortier, a daughter of the then British Paymaster-General. She died
in 1809. (Valentine.)
342 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
8'**. The Sons of Liberty as they term themselves,
openly defying powers, office and all authority sole
rulers.
ID***. Placards to hunt as with Hounds John Cog-
hill Knap a lawyer interloped amongst them.
11***. Party affairs, pique and private Quarrels and dis-
putes brought before the House of Assembly and there
indecently debated concerning appeals &c. The Gov-
ernor proposed to the Assembly to furnish money for
getting this Harbour, Town Environs &*" surveyed &*".
1 2***. Arrived a vessel from Quebec with Stampt
clearings, also with advices of their being well received
there, which shews the advantage of a military Gov-
ernment in Colonies.
13*. The Officer Commanding the man of war pub-
lickly declared his obligation to seize vessels cleared out
without stamps and returned one accordingly without
seizure, that was departing. Accounts that the Phila-
delphians had taken the Stampt clearings of a vessel
from Barbadoes in their Harbour and paraded them
through the city in triumph and then consumed *em.
Some very sensible and well timed Queries handed
about.
16* December 1765. Sir Harry Moore Governor
directed all the Merchants here to meet him at the
Fort this Evening, in order to Know the Author that
should have reported (amongst them) that he had
advised the officers of the Men of war to seize the
Vessels cleared with unstampt papers. Placards
seditious and infamous as ever. The Commander in
Chief requested of me to Sketch him a Plan of this
Place on a large Scale with its environs and adjacent
country together with its harbour, but particularly to
shew the ground to the North and North East of the
Town &c.
17*^. Advertisements stuck up every where Libellous
and rebellious. This night about 8 o'clock the Effi-
gies of Lord Colville Mr Grenville and General Mur-
ray were paraded several times through the streets
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 343
amidst a large concourse of people who halted first
where the Governor was in company and gave 3
Huzzas, they were carried to the Common and there
burnt. Their numerous attendants the Mob were
furnished all with Candles which they forced from the
Houses as they went along, threatening to set them
on fire if Refused. I continued on the General's
Draught and daily taking the Bearings & 'distances &
Sketching in the country about this place.
iS'**. A Fall of Snow for the first here — 6 inches
deep, began at 9 o'clock this morning. Wind at N.
N. East.
21". An officer & 40 men Militia and a Magistrate
nightly guard the Stamp papers. 35 of the Guard
out of the 40 voted to burn the Stamps.
23"^. Assembled a Mob for Householders' votes —
yea or Nay, to burn the Stamps or send them to Eng-
land back. Undetermined. Continued my survey.
Sailed the Packet Duke Cumberland Captain Good-
ridge.
24***. A mob was collected to destroy Captain Ken-
nedy's House but suppressed by the Mayor. A
Finesse to frighten him. Surveying the Environs of
this place & protracting them. Mob employed in
making Effigies to carry about the last day of this
year. Ten vessels have escaped with unstampt clear-
ings.
25*. The people proposed to the Governor to issue
a proclamation offering the post of Stamp Master or
Distribution of the Stamps to whoever will accept it.
(They knowing no one dare without immediately
risking his life.) If not obtained, then to give them
let Passes, as he might be Indemnified they protesting
or entering a Protest at the Custom House, that no
Stamps can be had. Requested by the General that
the Engineers should make a report of the State of
the Forts & Fortresses of this Province & deliver in
the same to his Excellency Sir Henry Moore Gov-
ernor of New York.
344 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
29*. Arrived advices from the Illinois from Cap^
Sterling 42** Regim' the officer commanding 100 men
from Fort Pitt that he had taken possession of Fort
Chartres on the River Mississippi a Report given in to
the Comm' in Chief from our branch, of the present
State of all the Posts on the western & Northern Com-
munication in order to transmit the same to England
by the Packet.
31". Advertisements placarded at the Merchants'
Coffee House threatening the effects and even the
persons of the Captains of the Ships of War should
they dare to detain or even bring too any Vessel sail-
ing from this Port without Stampt papers for clear-
ing them. Continued Surveying and drawing the
Draughts of the Town and outlets by order of the
Comm" in Chief. This night the Mob here proposed
burning the Comm' in Chief here in effigy, but eflfec-
tual Measures were taken to prevent such an Insult by
the General and officers assembling together for the
evening & the Troops here had their orders accord-
ingly which frustrated their insolent Design.
New York January i", 1766. Continued on my
survey of the city & Environs by order of his Excel-
lency General Gage. Several Placards threatening
the Effects A*" of the two Captains of the Stationed
Ships.
2°**. The Ships of war hauled up to the wharves of
the Town to be unrigged and take up their winter
Quarters. Arrived advices from Mobile and Pensacola.
3"*. The Custom house opened again. The En-
gineers ordered by the General to make a Plan, Sec-
tion and elevation of the most defensible Block houses
for 40 men, supposed for Fort Pitt.
4'**. The Mob wanting to shew their Resentment
against the Deputy Secretary of the Province with
regard to the issuing of writs &^ he refusing to do it
without stampt papers. Continued my survey &
drawing a fair draught for the South Shore of Lake
Erie from Niagara taken by me in the Expedition
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 345
with Colonel Bradstreet against the Delawares &
Shawanese in 1764.
5***. Sunday.
6*. I received letters from Col Bradstreet mention-
ing more conspiracies intended by Pondiac, Wassong
and 3 other chiefs all now at the Congress at the Mi-
amies principally intended against D'Etroit.
7*. Waited on the Comm' in Chief & shewed him
my Brouillon that he might see the Progress I had
made on the Survey ; also presented him with my
draught of the South Side of Lake Erie. I received
General Gage's thanks for the above. Arrived the
Polly Cap* Havilland from London. Rec** letters from
Colonel James Montresor & enclosed a copy signed
& sealed of his Majesty's Royal Mandamus for
10.000 acres of land to be granted to Col Montresor
in this Province and directed the Governor or Com-
mander in Chief of this Province for the Execution of
the above order. Shewed the Comm' in Chief some
bills from Col Bradstreet due on the Expedition of
1 764 which he agreed should be paid on Cap* Gor-
don's Engineer arrival from Philadelphia. Continued
on my Survey Sub Rosa as observations might en-
danger ones house and effects if not ones life. A
Stagnation of almost all business and every Kind of
merchandize uncommonly exorbitant. Continued on
my Survey & drawing still the Brouillon.
ii'\ At two this morning a fire broke out in this
city, but by the timely assistance of the Inhabitance
with their Engines & fire Buckets 'twas speedily Ex-
tinguish'd — they being here uncommonly active and
dexterous in that particular. Advertisements placarded
throughout of the General approbation from the Sons
of Liberty to those sons that Burnt the Stamps the
other night. Received advice of the Riots at Al-
bany by the Sons of Liberty there.
13*. This morning I presented and delivered to
Sir Harry Moore, Colonel Montresor's Mandamus for
the 10.000 acres of Land in this Province, as prior
346 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
claimant for any location from this day. Continued
on my Draught.
14*^. The Inhabitants being swelled with grievances
have started another this day. Complaining of the
Injustice done them by the Captains of the Stationed
Ships of War (now wintering here) for suffering their
men to hire themselves out to work at the Dockyards
by which means they serve for less than other men &
lower the price of workmanship. Sir Harry Moore
having the Stamps belonging to Connecticut still in
his possession declared his readiness to issue them to
such persons wanting Stampt papers by applying to
him, but as Death is to be the portion of the Re-
ceiver menaced by the Sons of Liberty, no instance
is yet known. Children nightiy trampouze the Streets
with lanthorns upon Poles & hallowing but allowed
of, the Magistracy either approve of it, or do not dare
to suppress it th** children.
1 5***. Places where the Stamps pass now current are
Quebec, Halifax, Pensacola, Jamaica Barbadoes An-
tigua and the Granadas. The singular advantage of
troops and fleets to enforce his Majesty's orders are
here plainly demonstrated. The Governor it seems
has lectured the Mayor and Magistracy relating to the
Mob burning the Stamps the other night and forcibly
breaking upon the Polly Cap* Havilland and taking
them and other things and that if they will not pre-
serve the Peace of this Province he will, that he's
ready to head them towards accomplishing it, if not he
shall apply to General Gage for troops and Lord Col-
vill for shipping for that intent and to See his Ma-
jesty's orders put in Execution. Insolent advertise-
ments placarded at that Rendezvous called the
Merchants Coffee House defying what cloth soever
to interfere towards inforcing the Stamps &c. Heard
further accounts of the Colonists, especially at Phila-
delphia having framed Magazines and sent on in ves-
sels for the French at Cayenne and sufficiently strong
to withstand the Hurricanes.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 347
1 7*. Received advice that a party of men were ar-
rived at Lancaster from Fort Pitt of the Royal High-
landers &*^ by order of the Comm' in Chief. Con-
tinued on my Drawing of the Survey. Sent my letters
on board the Packet.
i8*\ Surveyed out on the East River and towards
Crown Point. Advices from Hartford in Connecticut
that a large body had assembled there of the Inhabi-
tants for forming a new system of government Some
were for choosing a Protector as in Oliver Cromwell's
time & some were for another form — they were very
much divided & the consequences amongst themselves
were dreaded. A Ship of war daily Expected here
from England.
19* January 1766. Apply'd to Mr Alexander Col-
den Surveyor General of this Province for a proper
Location for Col Montresor's Mandamus & he recom-
mended me to Onion River on the East Side of Lake
Champlain to the Northward of Otter Creek where 3
towns had been laid out by the New Englanders.
Continued my Survey. The Sons of Liberty assem-
bled at night in the Fields & bespoke a very large
supper, but upon some disagreement (which is gener-
ally the case) they broke up and dispersed as soon as
it came on the table leaving only half a dozen. To
such a pass are matters come too, that at Philadelphia
in a Stationers Shop was found wrote in a Blank
Book G by the Cu — se of G-d, us — per of
G — t B — t — n and Dest — y-r of the Faith. Great En-
quiries were made but unfortunately to no purpose.
22"^ Saird.the Lord Hyde Packet Boat for Fal-
mouthr— Returned in her Mr P — r Del — y late In-
spector of Stamps for Canada &*" Cap* Loring — L^
Hall — Mr Paterson and Stewart &c &c.
27^. Arrived Cap' Gordon, Chief Engineer from his
quarters at Philadelphia. This day again presented
to the Comm"^ in Chief my progress on my Brouillon
draught at this place & its environs Sc*", much to his
approbation. One of the naval officers belonging to
348 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the vessels on the Lakes ordered to Ontario on that
service. Continued my Survey.
28'\ Arrived Cap* Chalmer s vessel from London
in which came 13 packages of Stampt papers, which
were by the Mayor & Corporation secured and lodged
in the City Hall for reasons. From the present crisis
if we may judge of the Loyalty of most people here,
they acknowledge the King, but not the power of
Parliament. Declaring that our Legislature cannot
impose any Internal Taxation on them, as they are
not represented which is the present cry. Nor do
they choose it, it seems. Continued on my survey.
February i". The Sons of Liberty (secretly) have
agreed that on the first accounts that arrive from Eng-
land of their Resolution of Endorsing the Stamp act
in America, that they will destroy the Stamp Papers,
now lodged in the city under the custody of the Cor-
poration at the same time purpose rushing into the
Fort and seizing and destroying those under the care
of the Governor and belonging to the Province of
Connecticut.
"^^ February 1766. Arrived a vessel from Fal-
mouth, the master neglected bringing the publick prints
but declares that 'tis currently reported there, that the
Stamp act is to be put in force in these parts & that
the Duke Cumberland Packet that carried the extraor-
dinary occurrences from hence, of the late disturbances,
arrived there on the loth of December last.
4^^. Meeting of the Libertines who seem to decline,
being much concerned that the Gentlemen of Fortune
in the town dont publickly join them. They form'd a
Committee for correspondence with the Liberty Boys
of the neighbouring Provinces. Advices from S Caro-
lina that the Governor of Georgia had gallantly headed
some regular troops and militia in opposition to the
Mob & enforced the Stamp act but not without some
trifling slaughter.
5^^. The Gov — r s declaration to the Council which
he had just convened — that he had received His
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 349
Majesty's Instructions for enforcing the Stamp act in
this Province and requested their opinion upon that
head, which was, it could not be enforced. Upon
which he told them that nevertheless it was their duty
to use their endeavour towards it and to be assisting
to him to execute his Majesty's orders. Children
nightly make processions through the Streets with
Effigies and Candles.
6 . The Sons of Liberty (who have the sole regu-
lation of the licentious press here) declare that they
will fight up to their knees in blood rather than suffer
the Stamp act to be put in force in this Province and if
they can assist even in any other. This night several
children were dispersed by the watchman, (for the ist
time) for parading the streets with 3 effigies and
Candles, being about 300 boys. Cryers and news-
mongers and carriers patrolling the street and crying
aloud " the downfall of the Stamp act" —
8*. Finished my survey for the Commander in
Chief.
9*. Arrived from Boston (printed) a copy of that
most Excellent letter of Mr Secretary Conway's to the
Governor regarding the late disturbances there. Also
a copy of the Circular letter to the Governors dated
October 1765.
14*. The Sons of Liberty at Philadelphia sent an
Express to the Sons of Liberty here acquainting them,
that Mediteranean passes had been issued at New
York on American Stampt paper and Bonds signed on
themselves from the Custom House by Mr Charles
Williams to Mr Pintard upon which they assembled
headed by Mess" All — ke. La — b, and Se — rs, as
Counsellors who proceeded to these Gentlemen's
houses and made a great riot ; the dissatisfied rabble
repeated it again in the evening till 9 o'clock, vowing
vengeance. This is the first instance of this licentious-
ness in open davlight. Began reducing the large
Plan to i the scale.
1 5* This morning the above gentlemen were car-
350 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ried to the Common with an intent of being pilloried
but through the intercession of the clerg)' of this place
who attended them and harangued the mob, they
were allowed only to make their concessions first there,
and after being conducted to their Houses to repeat
it. The two General Officers for this day were Tony
& Daly two ship Carpenters who it seems, as well
as some others can either raise or suppress a Mob
instantly. No Houses were pulled down owing to
some Gentlemen present and as M' Williams's belonged
to M' Del y. The General returned me my Brou-
illon of the large Plan. About this time a very sed-
— t — s sermon preached by M'^ Ledly Minister N —
Dutch Church exciting people to Reb — 11 — n. Gen-
eral Gage in his letters to the Ministry ('tis said) has
set forth the Refusal that his Majesty's Billeting act
has met with among the Colonists.
I y^ February. Arrived the Packet from Falmouth,
with his majesty's speech, also brought the accounts
that there was to be no appeal from the verdict of a
Jury. That M' George Grenville declared in the
House that 'twas his opinion that the late behaviour
of the Colonists could be construed nothing less than
Rebellion. Began reducing the large Plan to one
half the scale.
24*. Sailed the Packet for England. Meetings as
usual with the Sons of Liberty — Col P — tm — n a
Connecticut Colonel sent advice to them from thence,
that he would assist them with their Militia to the
utmost lives and fortunes to prevent the stamp act
being enforced in this Province, or any other. Wind
at East.
26* February 1 766. The Sons of Liberty arrived
to that pass, as to have the utmost indifference re-
garding their manner of Expressing themselves,
declare that they are of opinion that in case orders
should arrive for Enforcing the Stamp act to seize all
the Officers of the Crown and embark them for Eng-
land that then the Soldiers might be purchased over
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 35 1
to their disloyal opinions. Easterly winds begin to be
somewhat prevailing.
27*\ The very Inadvertant Sons of Liberty make no
scruple of publickly declaring that they are for shak-
ing off the Yoke of Dependency, of their Mother
Country, with a multiplicity of other tr — so — ble &c
&c. Completed the reduced Plan of this City and
Environs for the Comm' in chief
28*\ Mild weather — the wind Easterly. This night
a storm rose at S E by East with Rain and Continued
all night. His Excellency the Governor Sir Harry
Moore bought and wears two Homespun Coats made
in the Colonies for the Encouragement of arts in the
Colonies as an Example for others.
March i" 1766. The Storm still continued at the
same point of the compass, accompanied with Rain,
all this Day.
2°*^. Wind strong at N. W? Began on the fair
Draught of the Reduced plan.
3'**. I set off for the Lieu* Governors at Flushing.
This day all the Field ordnances were finished unspik-
ing having taken two months to accomplish it. Fin-
ished chiefly by Fire and drilling.
4*^. Returned to New York from Flushing. Sons of
Liberty met
5***. Sons of Liberty proposed a procession this
day but was prevented by Rain, 'twas to consist of a
Cannon with the figure of the Lieu' Governor spiking
it.
6*. The procession postponed to the first fair day.
Winds at S. East with small Rains and thick fogs,
weather cleared up and the Procession made being
representation of the Lieu' Governor mounted on a
Cannon drilling the vent and attended by a large con-
course of People.
9*. The Communication to Albany (by the way of
Hudsons River) opened, as an Albany Sloop sailed
this afternoon for the above place.
March 10* 1766. The Gunpowder belonging to the
352 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Ordnance lodged in 2 Powder Magazines at Turtle
Bay and Prevost's situated on the East River. At
Turtle Bay now in Store 1 700 Barrells and at Prevost's
500 total 2200 Barrells. Ordnance Stores are lodged
in a Stone house on the North River exposed, as
being without Guard or Defence. Quantity 3000
Tons. A Hard wind at North East with Snow, one
Foot deep.
II* Remarked that during the procession they
halted at several places, amongst the rest at Head
Quarters where they gave 3 cheers, the Comm' in
chief and several officers being present and the mob
not finding that they joined in the Huzza &'' told them
— that they would have their Hats off yet before they
were done with them. Finished the Fair Draught of
the Reduced plan of this Place and its Environs & pre-
sented the same to General Gage the Commander in
chief.
12*. Arrived the Geyser, Cutter from Halifax.
Lieu' Governor Colden's life daily threatened by the
Sons of Liberty. The Garland Ship of War heaving
down.
14***. Gale of wind at N. West. Arrived a vessel
from Nevis, loaded with Sugar.
I5*\ The Gale still continued at NW5 Orders sent
to have Fort Edward evacuated.
1 7***. A very hard Gale of wind at East with rain.
A perfect storm. Notwithstanding, this day arrived
the Halifax Packet from Falmouth, she struck on the
East Bank (in coming up from Sandy Hook) 8 times
and sprung a leak, at the same time a Vessel carried
from the Madeiras without a morsel of Provisions hav-
ing been 8 weeks on the Coast. The Captain of the
Packet, in 22 voyages to this Port from England never
met with once, so tempestuous as this last. On his
arrival out, off from the vessel's masts and rigging
over 20 Tons of Ice ; in her came Captain Conner to
command the Coventry in the room of Captain Ken-
nedy superceeded by order of His Majesty for refusing
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 353
to take charge of the Stamps of this Province on board
his Ship from Lieu^ Gov' Golden. Began on Protract-
ing the S.W end of Lake Erie being the remainder
that was left unfinished, that I had taken of the Lake
on the Expedition in 1764.
18* Windy weather from the NE^to the SE Quar-
ter, attended with a heavy thick snow, which dissolved
almost as fast as it lighted. The Sons of Liberty prepar-
ing to have a procession, with Sir Jeffry Amherst's effigy,
afterwards to burn it, as they say he proposed to aug-
ment the military forces in America, towards the more
effectual forcing the Stamp act Also propose, erect-
ing a Statue of Mr. Pitt (as a friend) in the Bowling
Green, on the Identical Spot where the Lieu* Gover-
nor's Chariot was burned and to name that Green^-
" Liberty Green '* for ever. Many declaring that they
will oppose the landing of any troops from Great Bri-
tain. A Committee appointed as Auditors of accounts
consisting of Co^ Robertson 15* Reg', Col Reid —
42"** and M' Leeke Commissary of Provisions to ex-
amine the accounts since 1764 of the several Depart-
ments viz — Engineers — Naval — Quarter Master Gen-
eral— Barrack Master Gen^ — Provisions &c &c on the
Contingent account.
19*. This night the Sons of Liberty assembled and
insolently sent M' AUecocke and Sears,* two of their
Representatives on board the Garland Ship of War to
demand the Lieu* of his Majesty's Ship, for having
said that the Printer of the Thursday's Gazette, one
Holt, was he in England would be hanged for the
licentiousness of his Paper. The Lieu^ one M' Hal-
lam refused any intercourse with them and ordered
them ashore, the vessel laying close to the wharf.
The Rabble cry'd out " bring the Lieu! ashore with a
* Isaac Sears was one of the original members of the " Sons of Liber-
ty," and from 1765 to 1775 ^^^ recognized leader of the most ultra of the
revolutionary party in the city of New York. In 1775 he was appointed
by General Lee Deputy Adjutant-General, with the rank of Lieutenant-
General. He removed to Boston during the occupation of New York
by the British. He died in Batavia, East Indies, in 1786. (Valentine.)
as
354 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Halter about his neck." The Representatives insist-
ing upon an Instrument in writing for him to deny the
allegation.
20*. They assembled the next day in order to at-
tack the Vessel, if he was not delivered up, for that
they, the Sons of Liberty, were resolved to murder
him. The Comm' in Chief Sent 2 Messages by the
Advocate General and Brigade Major to the 2 Cap-
tains of the Ships of War acquainting them that he
would give them all the assistance they should think
necessary and that was in his power to give them.
The men of war, received powder and cartridges from
the Ordnance Stores. Weather severe again.
21". The Sons of Liberty assembled again and were
Resolved to attack the vessels at all Events, but find-
ing the Ships prepared & that on Reflection they
might lose some men, declined it for the present till
they should be off their Guard for that they were de-
termined on the Lieut'* life. Also they proposed going
about to the several Houses of the Inhabitants to be
informed which of them would stand by them to oppose
the Landing of any troops from Home and those that
refused to pull down their Houses. A Southerly wind
and very warm weather. The officer obliged to confine
himself on Board from the threats he had Received.
22"*^. Agreed amongst the Sons of Liberty here to
wait on the Comm' in Chief that they might be In-
formed of his Reason for sending such Messages to
the Coventry and Garland and for interfering between
the said ships and them and also to insist upon know-
ing the reason for his ordering Troops to New York.
Southerly winds and warm weather. This night the
wind at S E and Rain. Arrived a Sloop from Santa
Cruz. The Governor Sir Harry Moore never has
interfered during all the tumults and disturbances
which the Rabble deem a sufficient Sanction for them
and so daily pursue their disloyal Irregularities ; having
never till now, ever had the shadow of Opposition to
present itself against them.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 355
23"*. A Hard wind at W. N. west. The Sons of
Liberty threatening to pull down the House of the
Major Brigade for carrying a Message from the Com-
mander in Chief to the Cap^ of y* ships of War.
' 24*. By advice from Connecticut Matters are ar-
rived to greater lengths than in any other province,
having allready provided themselves with a magazine
for Arms, Ammunition &c and lo.ooo men at the
shortest warning for opposing the Stamp act &S all
under the Command of a Connecticut man, called
Col Putnam one that has received his Majesty's
money, having been employed during the War as a
Provincial Colonel. Wind at N. W. Remark Not-
withstanding all these preparations in Connecticut,
not a Stamp has as yet entered the Province, they
being still lodged in the Fort at New York. This
night arrived from Philadelphia a vessel having lately
arrived from England, that the Stamp act was not to
be repealed &*". Many people assembled at the Mer-
chants' Coffee House, the cryer & newsmongers patrol-
ing the streets all night crying " Bloody news for
America to keep the spirit of .
25***. This afternoon at 4 o'clock, came in an Express
from Philadelphia from the Sons of Liberty there, to
those here, only 22 hours coming Bringing advices of
a vessel from Ireland having arrived at Choptank
River in Maryland in a short passage with accounts
of the Contents of a letter from a Member of Parlia-
ment to his correspondent in Ireland that the 29th of
January, the Stamp act was Repealed. Upon receiv-
ing the accounts 3 or 400 boys tore through the several
Streets with the shouts of the Stamp act's Repealed.
Wind at w. n. west. Navigation to Albany open, the
River being free of Ice and vessels proceed to and fro.
26***. Sailed for Albany Col Vaughan Commanding
46*** and some officers of that corps, intending for
Niagara, also Major Cary Commanding the i" Bat-
talion Royal Americans. Wind at N. E. A Fall of
Snow one foot deep.
356 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
27*. Weather cold and snow continuing. Wind at
West
28*. Weather as the day Before.
29***. Wind at N. W. very cold and the Snow not
disappeared. The weather keen. Wrote to Col
Montresor and M' Boddington by the Halifax Packet
for Falmouth, mail closed this evening. Applied to
the Secretary's office of the Province tor a Copy of
a Petition to present to Sir Harry Moore the Gov-
ernor for locating 10.000 acres according to Lieu'
Co* James Montresor s Mandamus and that upon
Connecticut River formerly a Township laid out by
Governor Wentworth and now petitioned for by many.
Lieu' Stoughton also Judge Richard Morris and his
associates, who have entred a Caveat against others
petitioning for the above lands. 1000 Barrels of Pow-
der & 12.000 Stands of Arms put on board the men
of War for Safety, as not being thought secure where
they were stored. Wood Boats obliged to be em-
ployed to put them on Board, as no vessel could be
obtained. One merchant vessel was agreed for at 13
shillings & 6 pence per Ton per Month for 3 months
sure, but the owners Recanted. Other vessels were
sought, though lying at the wharves by scores, out
of employ, notwithstanding refused. The Comm' in
Chief applied to the Governor for a Press Warrant
to procure one or more. Refused, " as 'twas time of
Peace. The Governor required of the Lieu' Governor
the Copies of his letters from the Ministry during his
administration. Refused.
3o'\ The Com' in Chief waited on the Governor
for an Explanation regarding some late affairs. Wind
at South west.
31" March, 1766. The Governor and Council Set
& the Comm' in Chief present relating to his denying
his Majest)' a vessel for his Ordnance Stores. When
'twas at last agreed to be granted, and was. Wind
at N W. weather Keen. Five Ruffians or Sons of
Liberty fell on an Officer of the Royal Americans on
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 357
the Common about Dusk, behind his Back and beat
him unmercifully and broke his sword, which he had
drawn in his Defence.
April i", 1766. Presented my Petition to the Gov-
ernor Sir Harry Moore for the location of the Manda-
mus, on Connecticut River called Waits Town bounded
North by Newberry, South by Fairly west by the
woods and East by the River. Refused, as he in-
tends it for his wife and children living, wrote for a
Mandamus for a large Tract and expects it out in the
next packet Quere-Remark. Ordnance people em-
ployed in the Embarcation of the Ordnance Stores,
from the Danger they now are exposed to by the
Rabble. Wind at W. N. West. Weather still Keen.
Chief Engineer gave an Order for the Engineer's
Baggage and Forage to be Issued.
2 . Forty Ruffians, calling themselves Sons of Li-
berty pillaged and Ransacked a Gentleman's House
and family in Connecticut for being a neutral person
and not declaring his sentiments. Weather mild.
Wind at S. W and the snow almost dissolved.
3"*. The Sons or Spawns of Liberty and Inquisition
here, still venting threats and Insulting the Crown &
Officers under it. Winds gentle & variable — the
weather mild. In Case the Stamp act is not repealed
Distruction is threatened by the Sons of Liberty
against the Lieu^ Governor.
4*. A Grand meeting of the Sons of Liberty to
settle matters of moment, amongst the many whether
they shall admit the strollers arrived here to act, th°
the General has given them permission. These
Heroes of Liberty Keep an office and enter minutes
and record them & all their correspondence to their
licentious fraternity throughout the different Provinces.
Inhabitants beginning to cultivate the ground about.
Winds at S. W. weather moderate. Arrived a vessel
from Carolina, Accounts by the way of Philadelphia
from South Carolina, that the Stamp act was repealed
and all American affairs settled by the Parliament lo'**
35^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN X0NTRE50R.
Febnian'. Some Stamps as 'ds said found in the
Streets were publickly burnt, at the Coffee house, to-
gether with Some play bills, all to prevent their Spirits
to flag.
5*** April 1766. The Comm' in Chief embarking his
Majesty's Stores on Board, creating matter of much
speculation, insomuch that the Sons of Libert)' have
been consulting whether they shall admit it or not.
Winds at North EasL
6"^. Winds at N E. N. E, blowing \txy hard. The
Inhabitants applied oil to the spiked touch holes of
the Cannon on Copses or Principal Batterj-.
7*^. Winds at E X. E. and Rains. At 4 o'clock this
afternoon entered a Caveat in the Secretan's office
against others petitioning for the Lands I applied for
the I" Instant to the Governor in consequence of His
Majesty's Mandamus. Notwithstanding the Gov-
ernor's refusal, a rejection of my memorial for the Lo-
cation, I wrote his Excellency a letter and presented
it at 5 o'clock this afternoon and enclosed him the
Memorial again, requesting his reconsideration of the
Equity of my Claim. Calculation that if all the wool
in this province was collected 'twould not more than
make a pair of Stockings per soul annually.
8***. The Governor sent a Message by his Secretary
M' French to me, refusing my claim. Wind at nn
East. I waited on the Governor. Arrived accounts
from Maryland of the repeal of the Stamp act the 8*
February by vessel arrived in Patuxen River.
9*. Wind at N W & rain. A Council this day held
as usual at the Fort The Sons of Libertv should
the stamp act be repealed will insist and are deter-
mined on it to have every restriction of trade taken
off and those infringements on the subject — the Post
Office and Courts of Admiralty.
io*\ Winds variable in the morning. S. W. after-
noon E. N weather fine but cool. Arrived a Brig
from the Bay of Honduras. Arrived a recruiting party
(of the i" Battalion Royal Americans) from the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 359
Southwards. The Inhabitants began undrilling those
Cannon on the Battery.
II***. Continued on my protracting of the South-
westward, most parts of Lake Erie from my Brouillon
to a scale of 2 miles to an inch, taken on the Expedi-
tion 1764. Waited on Sir Harry Moore for an Ex-
planation of his Message of the 8*** instant by his
Secretary. Again rejected my sollicitation &c &c as
per minutes taken down by me. Refused my written
observations as he should remain of the same opinion.
Winds at S. E and Rain. The Com' in Chief long
since has wrote to the Marquis of Granby in what
manner the ordnance Stores lay exposed to the mercy
of a Rabble & the great necessity of a fortified ar-
senal.
1 2*** April 1 766. All the Powder Field Train and
Small Arms compleatly embarked on Board of a hired
Transport and Sloop, with whats on board the Ships
of War. These 2 Vessels now put under Convoy of
those ships for their security against the people of
this place. Sergeant and 12 men of the Royal Ar-
tillery sent on Board these 2 Transports for their Pro-
tection and Bedding sent on Board. Nine pence
Sterling per man allowed the master for victualling
the Troops (as usual). Remark — When the King
finds their Provisions \ Sterling is allowed the Master
for wood and cooking utensils &? Wind at W.N. west
— the weather fine — accounts arrived by the way of
Philadelphia that the Stamp act was not repealed the
14th of February.
13*. Arrived a Sloop from Santa Cruz belonging to
Bermudas. Winds at S E. The allowance granted by
to the Sons of Liberty for carrying on of Ser-
vice is £^0 New York Currency per week.
14***. Winds at East N. East. This evening very
heavy thunder & lightning and rains. Accounts Re-
ceived by water that the Spaniards are arrived at New
Orleans from the Havannah and taken possession of
that Island. Orders from the Senior Engineer Cap*
360 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Gordon to return the several Instruments into the
Office as per our Receipts given which was complied
with immediately by me and Captain Sowers the En-
gineers on this Department.
15^. Winds at NE' blowing hard and continued rain.
The Sons of Liberty publickly declare that if the
Stamp act is Repealed they will also insist on all Re-
strictions of Trade being taken off. No Post offices
nor Courts of Admiralty as being all infringements on
the subject, as now is their time, while the Colonies
are unanimous. Remark — for the first instance.
16*. Wind westerly. The Artillery and Stores re-
moved from Fort Edward now evacuated are still
remaining at Fort George on their way to Crown-
point where they are to remain.
1 7***. Winds at N W. weather cool.
i8*\ Instructions making out by the Chief Engineer
for Cap' Sowers Engineer for the present Campaign
Rout to Oswegatihi and then to Detroit. Winds at
West weather very clear and cool.
19*. The Inhabitants by the Assistance of the ord-
nance Smith continue drilling the Cannon on the Bat-
tery which are scarce worth their trouble in their
present situation. The Guns are mostly old and
honeycomb, the carriages so rotten as scarce to be
able to support the weight of metal, the Platforms so
totally out of order as to admit the Trucks of the Car-
riages nearly to their axles. And the checks of the
Embrasures choke 'em on every explosion, as the Log
work is decayed and ill tired. Winds at S.S.West.
Vessels outward bound still proceed without stampt
clearances as does the arrivals, untouched by the
Ships of War.
20'*". Winds northerly. By the Boston Post advices
that the Packet had been spoke with by a Fishing ves-
sel off the Banks of Newfoundland — improbable. This
night at 11 o'clock the Com' in Chief ordered the
officers and men into the Fort from an application
from the Governor, as 2000 men from West Chester
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 36 1
threatened to rescue two Fellows out of New York
Jail.
21". Came in 2 vessels, one from Bristol in 9 weeks,
and one from Oporto. The Garland Ship of war fired
several Shot at them to bring them to which the
Oporto vessel obeyed but refused by the other. This
day the Garland fell down from the East River to the
North with the Store Ship, under convoy. Winds un-
settled the weather Cool, a fall of Snow this night.
The 2000 men from West Chester expected this
night.
22"**. The Snow disolved before 9 this morning
Wind at West — Rain. Set off from hence Cap* Gor-
don chief Engineer for Philadelphia.
23"*. This day the Sons of Liberty went on Board
of a Merchantman from belonging to M' Bache
merchant of this place and seized a quantity of Strong
Beer and ale in Bottles and English Cheese from
England. M' Sears a Ring leader taking it under his
custody. Upon the news from England by the way
of Boston, arriving relating to the apparent probability
of the Repeal of the Stamp act and M' Pitt's speech one
Swinney, an inflammatory news-carrier and monger,
galloped on Horse Back through the Street crying
Pitt and no King till meeting with an English
Butcher, who silenced him. Wind blowing hard at
N.W. Went to Spring Hill on Long Island near
Flushing and waited on the Lieu' Governor on private
Business. This day S' Georges day, not comme-
morated here, nor even a cross wore.
24th April 1766. Sons of Liberty declare that now
this act is Repealing, they need not never think of
another, nor will they be obedient to any Requisition,
nor suffer others. One Doughty a shopkeeper (for
Beverley Robertson merchant here) in the Highlands
was dispossessed by 300 men of his House and Goods
and turned away and this day arrived here. Wind
at West.
25*. Levelling esteemed to be of service & moved
362 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
by many of the Sons of Liberty having taken place
already on lands belonging to M' Courtland at West
Chester and in the Highlands. Winds at S. East.
Came up by the Skiff of a Pilot Boat an account that
the Duke of Cumberland Packet Boat, Captain Good-
rich from Falmouth was arrived within Sandy Hook
and brought advices that the Stamp act was repealed.
Immediately the Intelligencer from the Skiff had a col-
lection made for him in the Coffee house. Many
streets were Illuminated and squibs and firing of mus-
kets ensued and Captain Sears a principal Ringleader
of the sons of Liberty went to the Rector and the
several Ministers of the places of worship here to
order them to ring their Bells at 3 o'clock the next
morning. The Packet had been detained to the S* of
March and had seven weeks passage. Mr Pitt's
speech published at large and highly applauded by
the Sons of Liberty.
26*. At 3 o'clock this morning All the Bells of
this place rung and having no peal made a most hide-
ous Din. About 8 o'clock a. m the Captain of the
Packet arrived with the mail in his Boat and was de-
manded by the Sons of Liberty before he came ashore
whether the Stamp act was repealed — he answered in
the affirmative, adding Totally. Upon which they
6xcd him in a chair and carried him and the mail to
the Post Office with great acclamations of joy, cheer-
ing him all the way. The bells still ringing. How-
ever upon further enquiry and the Examination of the
letters from London of the latest date they found tl
the Repeal had not undergone the 3"^ reading in t
House of Commons, but had succeeded in the ■
former readings only. The Bells were immedial
silenced and great discontent ensued owing to iha
having been so premature in their rejoicings T
Wind at N. East, weather very raw & th^ "
markably backward.
■ 2";^. Wind at n East, the «
Liberty will not suffer
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 36^
market nor eat, under penalty of having the offenders
house pulled down.
28* April 1766. Wind at w. s. west— weather raw
and chilly. Wrote to the westward by the Post. The
act of Parliament relating to vessels delivering their
letters to the Post office are like others held here.
The letters are left at the coffee house and are dis-
tributed by the news carrier who keeps the advantage.
29***. The City alarmed from the approach of the
Country levellers called the West Chester men. The
Militia ordered to hold themselves in readiness. Let-
ters Received from them in town declaring that if
M' Courtlandt does not give them a grant forever of
his Lands, they will march with their Body now col-
lected and pull down his House in Town and also one
belonging to M' Lambert Moore. Winds variable,
mornings fine but overcast.
30*. Arrived a French vessel, a ship from S' Do-
mingo bound to old P>ance put in in stress of weather.
She was safely conducted through the Channel by
the Pilot and safe within the Narrows into the Bay.
Winds variable — Mornings fine but some overcast
The weather cool Fields green.
May 1*' 1766. Six men (a Committee from west
Chester people being 500 men now lying at King s
Bridge) came into town to explain matters. Wind
Northerly, notwithstanding the fine day for a long
time and not cool. The Military applied to on ac-
count of the Levellers on which they dispersed. Sons
of Liberty great opposers to these Rioters as they
are of opinion no one is entitled to Riot but them-
selves.
2°*". Wind at S. S. W. Weather fine but cool.
The French Merchant man repairing, she's loaded
with sugar, the people discontented not being suffered
to barter a little by way of pidling. To such a pitch
are the Sons of Liberty arrived at, that one the other
day Reproached the Clergy here with preaching false
Doctrine and that they were only the Embassadors of
364 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Hell & the same man a Communicant of the Trin-
ity Church.
3"*. The winds variable. In my opinion the arri-
val of this French vessel is a mere Finesse, as she
was but 15 days out and wanting water, this place
out of her course and her having letters on board for
Co> Hopkins to people in this place. She is imme-
diately bound to old France and has several strangers
on board, who are perpetually entertained by the
Governor and admitted to ramble wherever they
please. In arriving here they have in all probability
fained their point, to know the navigation from Sandy
look to this place, to know the strength, situation
and present position of Defence of this place, and to
be thoroughly informed of the minds and pulses ol
the Inhabitants during these very Extraordinary and
very Reb — 11 — s Disturbances, which by all accounts
they have taken care to procure a thorough knowl-
edge of. Inhabitants begin to draw their Ground nets
for Fish on the Beaches.
4* May 1766. Wind at N. E' and Cloudy, evening
rainy. Foreign vessels should never be admitted to
the Town but refitted at Amboy, which would be
a proper place for our arsenal since the Loyalty of
this people seems so precarious or doubtful.
5*. Wind at East & heavy. Evening rain. This
Evening a Play was acted by permission of our Gov-
ernment, to be performed by a company of Come-
dians or Strollers, notwithstanding the Sons of Liberty
without any Reason given pulled down the play house
the beginning of the 2°*^ act, put out all the lights,
then began picking of pockets, stealing watches,
throwing Brick Bats, sticks and Bottles and Glasses,
crying out Liberty, Liberty then proceeded to the
Fields or Common and burnt the materials. One boy
Killed and many people hurt in this Licentious affair.
6***. Wind at W. N. W. and cool. Inhabitants
begin fishing on the Strand. Proclamation issued
lOO;^ reward for the taking of Pendergrast, Chief of
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 365
the Country Levellers and 50^ for either Munro and
Finch, two officers, " en second."
7*. Arrived Captains Gordon and Williams Engin-
eers from Philadelphia. Wind at N. VJ\ The alder-
man (Brewington) who was sent to apprehend
Pendergrast, Ringleader of the Country Rioters
informed the person he was the alderman and sent to
seize, so gave him an opportunity of making his
escape. The first day of summer weather.
8*. Sailed the Duke of Cumberland Packet Boat,
Cap' Goodrich for Falmouth, the wind at N. W\ In
the afternoon at East. The Sons of Liberty, other-
wish the Sons of Tyranny, who now call themselves
the Redressors of Grievances held a council whether
they should not secretly Barbacue an officer of the 27*
for speaking disrespectfully of them. Arrived 3
vessels from Barbadoes Cura9oa and Jamaica. Fine
warm weather. This day a Seditious paper was pub-
lished (nothing uncommon) by M' Holt Printer,
signed Philalethes, as per paper.
9*** May 1766. Wind variable N. W. am. S S. E
pm. Weather fine the commencement of summer.
ID*. Left this place for Philadelphia and so to the
Illinois by way of Fort Pitt, Cap* Gordon Senior En-
gineer who after he superintends Fort Chartres goes
down the Mississippi to Fort Opalaches Mobile, Pen-
sacola, S' Augustin &^
II*. Sailed the French Ship which saluted the Fort
and Garland Ship of War. Wind at S. In Sir Harry
Moore's letters from Ministry by the last packet he is
advised to consult with Lieu' Governor Colden, relating
to matters of Government in this Province — Rejected —
taken amiss and the Lieu^ Governor uninformed by him.
12* Winds. Building at our Docks here, or rather
Ship-yard a Guarda Costa to be sold to the French.
Sons of Liberty make no scruple of publickly declar-
ing that they will fight to their knees in blood rather
than suffer the Stamp act to be enforced as witness
the Resolves of Wallingford.
366 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
14*. Accounts from Canada contain advices of their
usual confusion. Wind at S. East. From Detroit —
trade flourishes. Exit the western savages — and all
quiet. Sailed the Egmont. Arrived Snow — from
Portsmouth.
15'*". Arrived from his Command of his Majesty's
Forces in Canada on his way to England — Brigadier
General Burton, aid de Camp and Secretary. Reached
this place in 24 hours from Albany. Wind at North.
The Coventry Ship of war took her station into the
North River from the East.
16*. Wind at S. E. weather very fine. Arrived
accounts from Philadelphia and Maryland that the
Repeal of the Stamp act had been read once in the
House of Lords and Committed, the ii*\ This by a
vessel left England 15* March. Came in accounts
from Boston that in London 26*** March, that the act
was not repealed that day, owing to the fortunate ar-
rival of General Gage's letters relative to the Colo-
nists refusal of the act for Billetting the Troops.
17^. Wind at S. E. No arrivals, which continue to
create great speculation. Five vessels now on the
Stocks in the Ship yards. No money to be procured
for Bills on London. Answer, that if the Stamp act's
not repealed they purpose making no remittances
home. The markets high, workmanship, materials,
goods &*^ very dear, which plainly demonstrates that
the country cannot complain of poverty. Beaver skins
the price of which, greater or less is the standard by
which one may judge of the riches of this country,
while high, no scarcity of Cash. Accounts from the
Manor of Livingston on the East Side of the Hudson
River that some hundreds of the Tenants are also
turned Levellers and are in arms to dispossess some and
maintain others in their own, without rent or taxation.
18'** May 1766. Rain this morning early, cleared up
with Heat Arrived 2 vessels, one from S' Kitts and
one from Barbadoes. Wind at South-East.
i9'\ Wind at S. East. Went over to Staaten I si-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 2li6^
and and Communipaw in the Jersies and returned this
day. No advices received from Connecticut — the
Inhabitants have deposed their Governor and chosen
another, turned out the Members of the Assembly and
have formed themselves into a Committee of 500 men
to oppose the present Stamp act being enforced and
all Invaders into their Country, and that they renounce
all future connections with Great Britain, but that of
allegiance to King George 3'**. People here wanting
the Courts open to take the Law of the Captains of
the Ships of war, for pressing their men and bringing
their vessels too.
20*. We hear from Crown point that near that
place some scores of Families have arrived and
settled there living on Hunting and Fishing chiefly
and now beginning to cultivate their land. They de-
clare that possession is Eleven points in the Law and
that they will take the advantage of these Disturb-
ances and as no law prevails at present will support
themselves on their settlements as new England men
as by the King's proclamation the Possessors of the
late ceded part of the Government of Connecticut are
to be maintained in their Possessions. A Commence-
ment held among the Students to take their Degrees.
The Oration in the Trinity Church. Winds at East.
Arriv** by the way both of Boston and Philadelphia an
account of the Repeal of the Stamp act, Westminster
March i8th, being the day his Majesty gave his as-
sent. The hideous D:n of the Several Single Bells
was immediately demonstrated upon the Occasion
and hundreds of Boys running through the streets
with poles upon which were hoisted Handkerchiefs,
papers &c in imitation of the late Mob, attended with
repeated Huzzas. — Various papers published by the
several printers ; crying Glorious news for America
and no more Shim Shams. Accounts received that
the Sons of Liberty had dispatched Belts of Wampum
to the 6 Nations to intercept his Majesty's Troops on
their march from the Frontiers to this place, so 'tis
368 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
said. During the long Stagnation of Business, trade
&c &c, no robberies since the play were committed,
which plainly shows how people were supported. So-
ciety of arts &" have so fleeced matters for the Home-
spun cloth — a skein of yam is not to be procured.
21*'. All the Bells seta ringing again as soon as
daylight appeared. One o'clock — 21 guns were fired
off of Skids in the Fields to Salute General AUicocke,
being enclosed with a cord and picketting, a Flag —
like an Artillery Park — two large Bonfires were con-
structed one for the Sons of Liberty and one for the
Corporation but supposed to be out of the same
fund. And a Holliday throughout the Town Shops
shut &^ — Bills printed for the Rejoicings placarded
throughout the town, a large Board fixed on the Flag
Staff — ** George 3"*, Pitt — and Liberty " the Inscrip-
tion. A Grand illumination throughout the city, ex-
cepting where the officers, military and naval resided.
Night ended in Drunkeness, throwing of Squibbs,
Crackers, firing of muskets and pistols, breaking
some windows and forcing off the Knockers off the
Doors. A large Mob of the Sons of Liberty went to
the Fort to congratulate the Governor, three of which,
drunk as they were, had admittance. Wind at S East
and sultry. The Convention of the Clergy. Service
on the occasion in Trinity Church. Sons of Liberty
quarrelled in their Procession regarding the prece-
dancy, who should be the greatest. Clergy of the
Church of England presented an address to the Gov-
ernor by the President of the Convention in the name
of the whole. Denied his presence and Rejected
their Address. AJlicock the Head of the Sons of Lib-
erty, is the son of a Mulattoe woman and receives
daily Five shillings a day from the Crown being em-
ployed by Contractors of Provisions here, two of his
Majesty's Council here and is continued. Counsellors
here appointed by the King, for the Encouragement
of the Manufacturers here, alone (of late) wear all
Homespun. Winds easterly.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 369
22""^ May — 1766. — The Printer's apology for print-
ing Philalethes, wherein he adds to his crime — Winds
S. East.
23'^ Winds S. East. Accounts that the Connecti-
cuts will not suffer their New Governor or Assembly
to take the Oath of Allegiance.
24*. Arrived a Ship in 6 weeks from Liverpool with
a Confirmation of the late affairs. Winds at South,
South East.
25*. Arrived at the Hook the Hind Ship of War —
in her came passenger Major James who sailed the
beginning of the Winter. This Ship in 7 weeks from
Plymouth. The Major brought dispatches for the
Comm*^ in Chief and Governor here and the Captain
of her to Lord Colvill at Halifax being immediately
bound there and so to England. Advices by her —
Confirmation of the Repeal of the Stamp act and a
further ease to the American trade by taking off sev-
eral restrictions. This evening the Governor as usual
condescended to wait on the people of the City at the
Coffee House to relate them the news ; as witness —
" No appeals home, from the Verdict of a Jury here."
26***. Sons of Liberty purpose, now the act is re-
pealed. Divesting themselves of their Home spun
clothes, and supposed only to remain with Homespun
hearts. Winds easterly. All business carried on this
Day as formerly. Gave General Burton an Extract
of this Journal from 4* September to this day inclu-
sive.
27*. Major James's House publickly threatened to
be pulled down should he live in it. By the last —
American affairs left still here to choice. No Estab-
lishment or Troops no orders, or measures to prevent
further abuses. The Friends to the Crown unre-
warded and the Reb — 11 — s populace a Charte-
Blanche. Wind East. Cryer went about Repealing
the Lamb act, giving the inhabitants leave to eat
Lamb by Permission of the Sons of Liberty.
28*. Letters thrown into Houses threatening the
24
Z7^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Assembly should they indemnify Major James, as
looking on him as an authorized beggar. Wind S.E.
First very warm day.
2g^. Presbytry greatly encouraged being 80 minis-
ters at the Synod now held here. Presbytry opposite.
Left this for England General Burton and family in
the Prince George — Capt" Hathom, Merchant man for
Bristol. I attended him with the Comptroller of the
Ordnance Barge and Tender of the Coventry to the
watering place. Wrote letters to England. Hot day.
30* May 1766. Weather very sultry. Wind S.E.
turned to the S. West. A Gust with very heavy rain
and the wind turned to the N East, still continued
Lowring. Sons of Liberty debated at their Enter-
tainment whether AUicocke and Pitt should not be
drunk together — Carried in negative by four.
31*^ Received orders from Head Quarters as Engi-
neer Commanding at New York to transmit the Copy
of the Orders of yesterday to the several officers of
the Corps of Engineers and employed in their Service
relating to Payments of Batteaux and Waggons when
stores are to be carried in lieu of giving certificates
and other receipts to be immediately paid again by the
Deputy Quarter Master General. Wind at S. E.
Rain this Evening. Orders from the Society to again
enforce the Lamb Act.
yune i" 1766. Wind at S.W! clear & cool, rather
chilly early in the morning.
2nd Wrote to the Chief Engineer and sent him the
General's orders relative to the Waggons & Batteaux.
Enclosed the order to Captain Sowers on the Western
District. Wind South East.
3"*. Wind at the same quarter. A vessel from
Antigua with a Barberry Horse on Board.
4*. Wind South — This being the King's Birth day,
the Guns were fired at the Fort on the occasion. The
Officers waited on the Comm' in Chief and went into a
procession to the Fort but not before the Governor
sent an apology, by 2 of the Council, for his not wait-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 37 1
ing first on the General as has always been customary
" That the Council corporation &c were there with
him" — however the General chose to prevent mis-
understandings. The Garland, Coventry and Tender
fired, as did also some guns placed on Skids in the
Fields, where were also 2 Oxen roasted whole. An
Artillery park formed and a S^ George Flag, with the
same large board as before ** George, Pitt and Lib-
erty." The word Pitt the most distinguished. Scaf-
folds erected Beer and Grog for the Populace, and an
Entertainment or Dinner provided at the City Arms
for the General, Governor, officers military. Naval and
civil, at the Expence of the Inhabitants and cannon
fired at each Toast, accompanied with Huzzas. The
Town entirely illuminated as these Rej'oicings for the
Authenticated arrival of the Repeal of the Stamp Act
and the Kings Birth day were to be blended in one
Festival. Arrived the Edward, Cap^ Davis from Lon-
don in 8 weeks.
5*. Wind S. E^ An Inhabitant Merchant living on
the Docks declared that he was possessed of an Ex-
cellent Andrea Ferrara which he would draw at the
head of a Set of resolute fellows upon the Informers
and Custom House officers — that should seize any
Sugars of his for not paying the Duty for notwith-
standing the repeal of the Stamp act every other
Grievance shall be redressed.
6***. Winds Southerly. A Principal Inhabitant de-
clared that after all the several Restrictions were
taken off the trade and all their several grievances re-
dressed they should not be satisfied until Great Bri-
tain had made proper concessions for imposing them.
7*. This day the winds at S & S E'. Arrived this
night the Lord Hyde Packet Captain Goddard from
Falmouth. Some resolutions taken off the Trade here,
Sug^ar to be reduced to 2* — 6*^ Currency per cent &
molasses one penny per Gallon. Came accounts in
here that the loth Company's Captain stands fast and
to be allowed full pay. That Co^ Carlton to be Lieu^
372 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Governor of Quebec and Command in the absence o
General Murray, Recalled home.
8* Winds Southerly & Eastward of South — Ar-
rived a Brig from the West Indies — port not chose
to be mentioned, a circumstance that often happens
during the Summer. Country Justices treated ill
and beat by the levellers for executing their offices.
9*. Post day — wrote to Boston and Albany. Winds
Southerly.
lo*. Winds S. E morning & evening rather cool.
Received orders from the General by the Adjutant
General for drawing a fair Draught of Crown point
and its Environs and thereon to describe the distance of
2000 yards from the salient angle of each Bastion of that
work in order to ascertain the distance of cannon shot
and Limits the Crown choose to appropriate for the
use of the Garrison. At the Same time directed to in-
clude the line of Block-houses though without the Dis-
tance given.
II*. Winds S. Easterly — Accounts arrived that
Howard and Mossett from Rhode Island were re-
warded, bought over, as well as others when arrived
in England, the former Chief Justice of North
Carolina 500 dollars equal to ;^ii3 and the other sat-
isfied & now employed in ' writing 4 pence Rocking-
ham letters to Individuals here to procure peace in
the Colonies.
12* June 1766. Winds S. E'. Accounts from De-
troit of 2 Soldiers Scalped there, Powtewattamies of
S' Joseph and that the Commanding officer had Seized
two of the same nation by way of reprisals now in
prison.
13***. Winds S. E. Arrived Sir John S^ Clair Dep^
Q' Mas' General from Trenton.
14*. Winds S. E. Orders for the 2°** Battalion
Royal Americans to relieve the 17* Reg' of Detroit
Finished the fair draught of Crown point Environs
and Crown limits and presented it to the General.
15*. Wind S. E. Arrived a Transport with a Cap-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. $7^
tain of the Highlanders and 99 men of that corps after
having taken possession of the Illinois and relieved
from thence & lost but one man who fell overboard on
the Passage.
16***. Wind Southerly Weather intollerably hot &
very little air. This evening a Thunder Gust with
wind, lightning and rain all very heavy. Highlanders
on Board yet — Refused Billetts.
17*. Winds variable, chiefly at E by North. Ar-
rived the 46* Reg' from Albany in 4 Sloops. The
28*^ Reg' daily Expected here from Montreal by the
Northern Communication in order to proceed (as 'tis
said) to Philadelphia. Received from Cap' Sterling,
42°^ the Stores, Lists and Vouchers belonging to
Pensacola, transmitted by Elias Durnford, sub-Engi-
neer. Great Contrast in the weather between yester-
day and this day, it being rather cool & Chilly and
somewhat raw. Gave the Rout and distances of the
North and South Shores of Lake Erie to the Officer
Commanding the 2"** Battalion Royal Americans now
destined to Detroit and that Communication. Advice
from Detroit that the Powtewattamies of S' Joseph
have scalped 2 of the 17* at the River Rouge within
3 miles of that place and that the Commanding offi-
cer had detached a party from the Garrison who made
reprisals — took 2 prisoners of the same nation, but
not of the Same tribe.
18*. Heavy weather and misty — wind at N. East.
This night heavy lightning & thunder. At Albany the
Troops 26^ &" refused Quarters. The Comm' in
chief sent the Dep^ Quarter M' General to the Coun-
cil this sitting to know whether they propose quar-
tering the troops now arrived or not, as they are
still on board in these heavy Rains.
19*^. Wind at the East. Wet weather, Sir John S'
Clair again sent by the Comm' in Chief to know of
the Council as before. The Assembly now sitting re-
fuse complying with the late act of Parliament relating
to the Billetting of Troops in North America.
374 JOURNALS OF CAFT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
26* yune, 1766. Disembarked from on Board the
Sloop the 46* Reg* and marched into the New York
Barracks provided for them consisting of the bare
walls only. Wind at N E & wet weather. The Cor-
poration have at last agreed to let necessarj' utensils
&c be brought for the use of the soldiers out of an
overplus sum 3990;^ Sterling which Sir Jeffrey Am-
herst had paid them of money borrowed & they not
refunded. A proclamation issued this day for appre-
hending 7 of the principal country' Levellers for high
Treason with a reward of ;^ 100 currencj' for Pender-
grast and 50;^ apiece for the other 6 but no reward
for apprehending those in town.
21**. Marched from the Fort and embarked for Al-
bany on their rout for Detroit, one Company of the
2"** Battalion Royal Americans where the Major part
of that Corps is now destined and on their march to
relieve the 17* Reg*. Wind at N East. Cool and
cloudy weather. A Congress of the several upper
nations and others to meet Sir Wm Johnson at Her-
kimer's at the German Flats on the Mohawk River.
Pondiac to be present. Came in 2 vessels from the
Bay of Honduras. The assembly sent to the General
that he should have that surplus money to dispose of
towards the quartering and Billetting the Troops —
answer — he did not want to be their agent — however
to know whether he was to dispose of it agreeable to
the late act of Parliament.
22"**. Wind at East — Marched the Detachment of
the 42"** Reg* — 100 men lately from Pensacola to be
quartered at Philadelphia.
23"*. Wind at South. Subscription papers carried
about for a Statue of Mr. Pitt to be erected here.
Assembly addressing the King but not the Parliament,
which they do not acknowledge regarding their Griev-
ances concerning the late Buletting act. An address
to Mr. Pitt for his services to America. The Comm'
in Chief gave leave of absence to England to Captain
Lieu* Williams Engineer, on account of his health
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 375
The Government & people of Boston at Logger-
heads.
24*. Sailed this day for Philadelphia his Majesty's
Ship the Coventry. 4000 people in Connecticut en-
tered into agreement & signed to make an equal
dividend of property there. Marched out of town and
encamped at Turtle Bay near the Powder Magazine
the Detachment of Royal Artillery consisting of 200
men with 8 Field pieces, four — 68 pounders — two —
twelve p" and two Howitzers for Preaching, and the
Staff. The Compensation for the losses by vote car-
ried to all the sufferers except to the Lieu' Governor
— Nem-Con' tho at the same time declared that they
looked upon his account to be by far the Honestest
and have 'tis said deducted part of his salary during
his administration.
25* June 1766. Employed in shading and putting
together the several communications in this Province
in order to compile a Draught of it. Wind S. west
Sailed the Packet Captain Goddard for Falmouth,
with Passengers Colonels Vaughan and Pringle.
26*. Wind at N W but gentle and extremely hot
Boys nightly make procession & burn Effigies, crying
" Pitt & Liberty."
27*. Wind at W N West, gentle weather. Excess^^
hot. An Effigy burnt in the Fields ; accounts from
the Manor of Livingston that the 28*** Regiment were
landed there.
28*. Wind at N. East. The Troops quartered in
the Barracks and forgot their utensils, Candles &c pro-
viding. Advices from the Manor of Livingston that
the Levellers have rose there to the number of 500
men, 200 of which had marched to murther the Lord
of the Manor and level his house, unless he would
sign leases for 'em agreeable to their form, as theirs
were now expired and that they ^would neither pay
Rent, taxes, &c, nor suffer other Tenants. The
Levellers met by Mr. Walter Livingston the Son who
made a sally with 40 armed men — the 200 having
37^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
only sticks — obliged them to retire, not without their
threatening a more respectable visit on the return of
Col. Livingston of the Manor.
29*^. Seventeen hundred of the Levellers with fire
arms are collected at Poughkeepsie. All the jails
broke open through all the countries this side of Al-
bany on the East side of the River by people headed
by PendergrasL 8000 cartridges sent up to the 28*
Reg*. 70 people entered the Court of Justice at Wall-
ingford in Connecticut declaring that no writs or pro-
cesses should be issued for debt the Sheriff and a
party were sent after them but suffered much.
30***. The 28* regiment now at Poughkeepsie have
secured 8 ot the offenders. Intelligence just arrived
from Virginia the Southern Indians seeking protec-
tion from the Inhabitants in consequence of which 16
of the 6 nations have been killed and scalped by the
people of Augusta. Wind East. Damage done by
lightning in many parts of the Continent.
yufy I** — 1766. Arrived advice from Sir Wm John-
son to the Comm' in Chief that the Senecas Indians
have had several of their people scalped by the Au-
gusta County men in Virginia having been overpow-
ered by the Southern Indians in an engagement with
them and were obliged to seek refuge with the Inhabi-
tants who murthered them.
2"**. Wind S. West and heat. Account from Albany
that the Sheriff and his party had proceeded to dis-
possess some settlers on the Manor of Ransaleer who
were fixed there without title on which a skirmish
ensued, Sheriff had one man Killed, himself shot
through the body — their opponents two Killed — Seven
wounded. A heavy Gust of wind and Rain with
Some lightning and thunder. Sent an Extract of my
Journal to General Burton to this day.
3"*. Wind at N. East — Sailed the Edward — Cap'
Davis for London. Went a recruiting party of the
46* — one Captain three subalterns &^. Arrived his
Brittanic Majesty's Ship Sardaigne from Philadelphia.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. Zll
A very seditious paper again published by John Holt
the Printer.
4*. Wind at S. west with very heavy rain. Some
Experiments of artillery practised from the Camp of
Royal Artillery at Turtle Bay.
5*. Cloudy weather & showery — wind at N E. Re-
ceived orders from the Com' in chief that he should
dispatch me to Albany & Schenechtady shortly.
6*^. Wind S. E and wet weather.
7^. Arrived the Packet Cap' Robertson — Wind S.
west. The Com' in Chief wrote circular letters to
all the Commanding officers of Corps.
8*. Wind at S. west.
9*. Wind westerly. This night very heavy thunder
and smart lightning, with rain.
lo*. Wind westerly Excessive heat. Thermom'
90°. This morning arrived the 28'** Regim' with Pen-
dergrast the principal country Rebel ring leader.
Came to the Hook the Hawke Cap' Burke having
wintered in the River Severn in Maryland.
II* Wind at W. N. W'. Excessive heat both day
& night
12*^. Wind at S. W'. Excessive heat both day &
night. Came in the Canada Post.
13***. Wind S**. Riot at Albany. Great heat this
night at 12 o'clock. Intense.
14* yu/y 1766. Wind Southerly. Heavy rains this
night with some lightning.
15*. Wind N. East. Rained most of this day,
weather very thick. The Deputy Paymaster General
appointed to receive the Revenues in Specie arising
from the Duty's through the different provinces, these
last two years for the payment of the Troops there
Boston ^8.000 York ;^8ooo — Pennsylvania ;^i 2.000
South Carolina ;^io.ooo Sterling in specie.
16*. Wind at N West and fair weather. Presented
the Comm' in Chief the Pensacola accounts and letters
from Lieu' Durnford Engineer — therefor his approba-
tion regarding the payment of the Repairs of the
3/8 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Officer's Quarters on the Staff there. — Refused — Or-
dered by the Comm' in Chief to write his sentiments
thereon to the Engineer. Sailed the Packet for Fal-
mouth. No more meetings of the Sons of Liberty
since the arrival of the Troops, no more caballing and
Committees at every corner of the Street, nor even at
present the name of a Son of Liberty mentioned or
one to be ever heard of.
1 7*. Wind at N. W & windy. Weather fair.
1 8*. Wind Westerly. Intelligence arrived from
the malecontents of fresh Insurrections up the River.
19*. Wind at W. N. West Great heat. Fresh
disturbances on the East side of the Hudson's River at
Poughkeepsie. A Detachment ordered from hence of
the 46* one hundred men & officers immediately there
& to proceed at 12 o'ck this Day.
20*. Wind at West. Orders from the Comm' in
Chief for no officers to appear at Head Quarters out
of his Regiment.
2I*^ Wind at N. West — Advices from Poughkeepsie
that the Rebells have fortified a large House and en-
trenched themselves around it. Lieu' of the Artillery
proceeded with the Detachment of the 46*** with 14
men and 24 rounds each — one Six Pounder & one
Howitzer.
22°^ Wind at S. W. morning and S. E. in the Even-
ing.
23"*. A very thick fog early this morning for the i"
time this Season. Wind at W'. and in the evening to
the East of South. Received a letter this morning
at 7 from the Surveyor General Alexander Colden
Esq' that upon re-examining the several Patents and
Surveys he had procured me an excellent location
situated on the East side of Lake Champlain to the
Southwards of Otter creek between it & Crown
Point, where a Township had already been marked
out by the New Hampshire Government — that it ex-
tended about 3 miles on the Lake and in depth included
part of Otter creek and a valuable Branch of it being
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 379
Still water — that the land is rich and comprehends
many acres of excellent meadow land and producing
great quantities of stately timber, and the right indis-
putable. The fertility of the East side of the Lake
to the West is evident. Advised with him the De-
puty Secretary of the Province and others and found
it for my advantage as being equal if not superior to
my former location which Sir Harry Moore has
thought fit not to grant, as he proposes making a Res-
ervation of it for himself, meaning the lo.ooo acres in
Waits town on the west side of Connecticut River.
In consequence of which I wrote to the Governor and
delivered my letter to his private Secretary Mr John
French at J after one P. M (conditionally) to relin-
quish my pretensions to my former location, as per
copy, provided I shall succeed in the grant for the
above lands. Proposed to the Comm' in chief to
make him Triangular Progression of Distances
through the several known Communications in North
America by land and water.
24*^. Wind at East. Received letters from Detroit.
Pendergrast the Principal of the Country Rebels sent
up the Hudson's River to Poughkeepsie to take his
TryaL
25*. Wind at E. N. E — Rain all day. Most of the
vessels and even small craft now named Liberty — Pitt
— Liberty & Property.
26*. Wind at E. S. E. Rain very early this morn-
ing & cleared up. Came in a Ship from Newfound-
land. The Judges gone the Circuit up Hudson's
River to try the Rioters or Rebels.
27***. Wind at west Very low tides. Arrived a brig
from Liverpool which ran aground entering the Port.
28* Received a note from M' French the Gover-
nor's Secretary (private) that the Gov' Sir Harry
Moore will comply with my letter upon my presenting
another petition in the usual form and deliver it to
the Surveyor General to make his report thereon, that
orders for a warrant of Survey should be made out.
380 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Received letters from Quebec. Wind at South East
& lowering heavy mizzling weather. Winds at this point
deemed the most unwholesome here. I waited on
the Sur\'eyor General who was gone out of Town.
29***. Winds at N. E\ — and heavy cloudy weather,
very close & sprinkling. One of the 28th had his leg
6 thigh cut off in the Hospital here that was fired
on by the Pendergrast's party.
30*** yufy 1766. Wind at N. E and small rain. Wrote
another memorial to Sir Henry Moore for a location
for Col Montresor's lands & enclosed it to the Sur-
veyor General, agreeable to M' French's letter. A
change in the weather being this day sensibly cooler.
3 1**. Wind at S. W — arrived accounts from Clav-
erce that the Detachment from hence had landed
there without any loss and that Noble the present
reigning Ringleader had fled with several others of his
Party.
August I**. Winds westerly this morning. After-
noon southerly. Remark — The winds are generally
southerly after 1 2 o'clock — Meridian. Took seversd
Intersections with a Circumferentor from Crown point
within two miles of the Town in order to join them
to the General's plan. Came in advices from Que-
bec and that the Governor had sailed for England.
Letters from Detroit that the Indians are discon-
tented. Arrived vessel from Falmouth — had passage
7 weeks & 4 days. Arrived Col Robertson, Barrack
Master General from his tour and last from Quebec.
2°*^. Wind at west. Very warm weather. Accounts
from Fort Pitt that Cap^ Gordon had left it for the
Illinois in Company with M' Croghan who had with
him 100 of the 6 nations and a large party of the
Delawares and Shawanese.
3^**. Wind N west, intense heat Tis commonly re-
ported that the members of the General assembly
make no scruple of declaring that they shall not grant
Major James the allowance for his losses, till the trade
is open & all restrictions taken off and that when
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHIJ MONTRESOR. 38 1
they do grant it 'twill be currency for sterling — 20 lO;^
and he shall swear to every particular piece.
4*. An officer of the 46* arrived Express from Al-
bany with an Application from the people to the Gov-
ernor to request of the Commander in Chief for more
troops to be sent up the north river as the levellers
continue still very troublesome. Refused. Remark
— They wouldn't be displeased if New York should be
again drained of its regular Troops to carry on the
old Ganie which there seems Hope for. Wind at N
W' & very hot weather.
5* Wind at N west — & Excessive heat. A war-
rant of survey issued from the Governor to the Sur-
veyor General for the Surveying of those lands for
Col James Montresor agreeable to my last petition.
200 arms Exchang*^ with the 28* Reg' from the Ord-
nance Store but not before a Survey was taken by
order of the Comm' in chief under the direction of the
Comptroller of the Ordnance who appointed 3 officers
for the survey — viz Storekeeper — Commissary and
Clerk of Stores. Presented to the General a memo-
rial agreeable to his desire for the Sum of 800 pounds
New York Currency to be paid into the hands of M'
W"* Forman acting Paymaster for defraying the sev-
eral bills drawn on the Chief Engineer on account of
the works carrying on at the several Posts on the Con-
tingent account.
6***. Wind at N W\ and the heat moderated. Sent
the Extract of my Journal to this day to Major Gen*
Burton together with the publick prints — remainder of
the Journal of the house of Assembly &^ Accounts
from the Circuit, Pendergrast is indited for High
Treason.
7^. Wind at S. west — Arrived a vessel from New-
foundland.
8*. Wind at S. west & intense close heat. Sailed
the Minerva for London.
9*. Wind at n East — close Sultry, disagreeable
weather in Evening S. W.
1
382 JOURNALS OF CAFT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ID***. Wind at n. n. w*. Excessive heat Sailed the
Snow, Prince of Wales for London.
1 1*. Wind at S. W very warm weather. A con-
siderable mob assembled on the Common consisting
of 2 or 3000 chiefly Sons of Liberty, headed by Sears
in order to come to an Explanation with the Officers
and Soldiers for Cutting down a pine post where they
daily exercised, called by them the Tree of Liberty.
These Sons of Liberty used the most scurrilous and
abusive language against the officers and soldiers
present who never seemed to resent it, till a volley of
Brick Bats ensued and wounded some^ upon which
they defended themselves with their Bayonets until an
answer could arrive from the General, which was
brought by Cap' Sherrieffe his aid de Camp who to-
gether with the Commanding officer of the 28* Major
Brown were grossly Insulted in the streets and pub-
lickly called Rascals to their Face by one Dawson
formerly a provincial officer and Inhabitant here, at
the same time a riding, as were all the officers &
Soldiers at new York and with a stick attempted to
knock down Cap' Sherrieffe who drew his sword in
his defence, when the mob instantly drew out of their
pockets a case of pistols each, this insult was on their
way to the troops with the Commander in Chief's
orders. The Commanding officer publickly declared
to the mob that if his Soldiers were the agressors they
should be punished and that if they were he expected
they should, if not they should redress themselves.
The Governor Sir H Moore never Interfered. The
principal townspeople (for a wonder) not immediately
at the bottom of this.
12* August 1766. Sons of Liberty swear they will
have satisfaction of the Soldiers and that they will not
permit them to beat their Retreat and Tattoo through
the Streets at their peril. The Drummers doubly
guarded on the occasion, several Town's people bound
over at the Mayor's Court for threatening death
amongst the rest this] (Dawson ; also an officer of the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR, 383
28*^* for having been heard to say he would revenge
himself on the man that called him a rascal. The
Sons of Liberty erected another high post in lieu of
the other with " George, Pitt and Liberty " and hoist-
ed a large ensign thereon.
13*. Wind at n w'. A review of the 28* Reg*
present — the Comm' in Chief — very hot weather — A
party of the Artillery formed the Square for the
Service with fixed Bayonets, notwithstanding the mob
were for pushing through the Line, saying that the
Ground was theirs.
14*. Wind at west — Heat — Soldiers daily insulted
in the Streets without the least provocation. Proposals
handed about for the Innholders & Inhabitants not to
have any Intercourse with the military or even to ad-
mit them in their houses.
15*. — Wind at S. west— a paper handed about and
signed by several for turning out the Military, out of
the city and not to suffer it any longer a Garrison.
The Expedient for effecting it to be fallen on by a
Committee of Sons of Liberty for that purpose. Cap'
Heathcote of Royal Artillery returning from Camp to
the city in a chair was stopped by 20 men armed with
Clubs and Sticks who told them they took him for
Major James and so released him, declaring that had
it been him they would have buried him alive upon the
Spot. This between 12 and one o'clock at night.
The General Examined the above Gentleman.
16*. Wind at S. E. Hot weather & Close. Officers
and men insulted when in the Fields at Exercise.
17*** August 1766. Sons ol Liberty propose that the
market people should not sell any provisions to any
officers or Soldiers. Wind at N. W. weather serene.
The Mayor insulted in his own Court by the Sons of
Liberty for partiality.
18***. Sons of Liberty propose to address the Comm'
in Chief that the Soldiers shall not be admitted to
carry their side arms when off duty. They also de-
clare " that they will have Justice done them for Liberty
384 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
tree being cut down and if they have not, they will
revenge themselves on the Soldiers as God and Nature
has enabled them." Wind S. W and warm weather.
Major Brown Commanding the 28* Reg* had two writs
served on him each for ;^5000 damages. Some Gen-
tlemen offered him Bail, but he preferred for his
Bail — 2 orderly Grenadiers, with fixed business who
always attend him. One Bark — r merchant flew out
when the Drums were taking their course beating the
Retreat, asking for a sword, one of the Guard gave
him his advice with the but end of his musket, which
settled him and so marched on.
19"**. W" Pendergrast, who was tried at Pough-
keepsie and found guilty of High Treason and received
Sentence of Death, begged leave of the Court to admit
him to deliver a few words viz* " That if opposition to
Government was deemed Rebellion, no member of
that court were entided to set upon his Tryal " which
consisted of Judge Horsem — n — O. Del — y — , Sa — t
Sm — R. 46*** Reg* and Royal Artillery continue their
Field days. This night the Sons of Liberty threw a
large stone into Major Brown's window, broke the
sashes insulted him and made off. — Wind at West.
This day arriv"* His Maj^"* Ship the Coventry from
Philadelphia.
20***. Wind at S. W. The Comm' in Chief sent an
Express to the Detachment of the 28*^ & 46*^ now on
the East Side of Hudson's River to join their corps
here, immediately. This morning at 5 o'clock the
Royal Artillery were reviewed together with their
Exercise of Great Guns on a plain about a mile be-
yond Turde Bay. accounts from the westward or
upper Lakes that the Powtenawattamies of S* Joseph's
have made prisoner of a Soldier belonging to our
Garrison at Fort Chartres. Weather cool and pleas-
ant somewhat raw for sometime past. *
21". Arrived the packet from Falmouth the Halifax
Cap* Boulderson — came passenger Brig* General Carl-
ton, Lieu* Governor of Quebec and Commanding ofifi-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 385
cer of the Troops in Canada. Westerly winds, hot
weather.
22"**. Decamped and marched in the Detachment
of the Royal Regiment of Artillery and Quartered in
the Barracks with the 28* Reg*. Two light field six
pounders planted at each entrance of the Barrack-
yard for the safety of the Troops, &^ and two planted
on the Ramparts of the Fort for Reasons — wind
westerly and hot weather.
23"*. Wind S. West — hot weather — a heavy Gust
of Thunder and lightning and Rain— the rain much
wanted. Thermometer at 12. am — 92°. The Com-
mon Fly, a mere pest to man and horse.
24***. Wind westerly — Hot weather. Thermometer
Farn' 87° weather extremely hot. Sailed for Albany Sir
H Moore Gover* and Gen* Carlton L' Gov' of Canada.
25*. Ti^ind round the Compass — Small Gusts of
Thunder and Lightning with a few drops of rain. Ex-
cessive heat this night. Thermo' Fan' at 10 o'clock
pm 92° and by Thermometer in the city 101^°.
26***- Wind Easterly, hot weather. Therm** Fan^
104^° in the city. Several people fainted with the heat.
Arrived the Detachment of the 28* from Poughkeepsie.
Heat so intense, some dropped dead and many fainted.
2j^. Major Brown gave Bail. Wind S.E. Therm**
Fan' 103^. But 80 men of the Royal Artillery ordered
to remain in N. York. Officers and men of the re-
mainder prepared for their respective Districts.
28*. Wind round the Compass, lowering weather
all the day, entirely cloudy and a continued thunder.
Regulations that when Soldiers are to pay the Con-
tractors for provisions 2^ pence Sterling per ration th°
the whole prefer here to purchase their own at the
markets &*". Heavy rains day and night Thermom-
eter decreased. Arrived the Hope from London.
29*. Sailed the Halifax Packet Cap' Boulderson —
passengers Sir Henry Seeton 17* Captain & Cap'
Arnott 46'** Reg'.
30^** August — 1766. Sailed the Grace — Cap' Cham-
ps
386 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
bers for Bristol. Passengers M' Furnis, Comptroller
of the Ordnance, Cap' W° M^'Cleod late Royal Artil-
lery. The Thermo' decreased to 72^** (25^** in 2 days
decrease). The writs taken out against Major Brown
of the 28* Reg* proved not to be actionable. Wind at
N West and Cool
3 1''. Sailed the Polly, Captain Farquhar for London.
Wind N W — & Cool. The Coventry Frigate still
remaining at the Hook.
September i" 1766. Received orders from Major
General Gage Comm' in chief to make a survey and
report of the Islands in the Harbour together with
Red Hook in order to shew the Position they bear to
each other and what advantages might be made with
regard to fortifying them.
2"**. Got the Ordnance barge in order, and applied
to the Adjutant General for a party of men. Procured
them from the 28*** Regiment.
3'"*. At 6 o'clock this morning set off for my survey
which I continued on, partly with the Theodilite and
partly with the Plane Table. Surveyed Governor's
or Notten Island and part of Red Hook. A whale 49
feet in length cast ashore below the Narrows on the
East Side.
4*. Set off early this morning and continued on my
survey from my last station at Red Hook and pro-
ceeded to Kennedy's and Green Islands and finished
the present as far as related to my orders.
gth gth ^ih ^j^ J gth j-^^ j^j3 chart, working it up.]
9*. Delivered to the Comm*^ in Chief my report,
General and particular survey, the former to 400 feet
to an Inch the latter to 200. Also made my design
on that of 200 for fortifying Governors or Notten
Island — protracted 1468 yards from Fort George.
10* 11*^ and 12*. [At work on his fair copy of
survey and report.]
13*. Remittances begin to be made home from the
Merchants here. Bills being now more wanted and
Exchange now at i8o;^ New York Currency.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 387
17*. Completed my original draught and also the
fair one of the city and Environs together with its
[llustrations and continued on finishing my survey of
die Islands and Harbour.
18* and 19*. Finished my General plan of the Har-
bour and soundings with the several Islands and part
Df the Town — delivered the same to the Com' in
Chief together with a plan of Governor's Island to a
large Scale with a fair draught of my design the whole
approved of by the General and received his orders
to make an estimate to accompany my design. At
the same time mentioned to him my Intention of sail-
ing for England this fall. The General made known
to me his private Intentions which I shall insert here-
after, having been enjoined by him to secrecy. Di-
rected by him to make out Heads for forming a Mili-
tary Plan for passing through any country with an
army ; with draughts &^ not here to be inserted. Im-
mediately set about the same and began on Copying
some old draughts for the above purpose.
20*. September 1 766. Finished the Brouillon of my
Heads for the above plan &^
22°**. Delivered to the Cbmm' in chief the private
papers, Heads &*" for forming a military plan for a
considerable Body of Troops to pass through an In-
land inhabited country in North America.
29*. Finished a fair Draught of my survey of New
York and Environs for the Lieutenant Governor.
October 6***. Was sent for by the Com' in chief and
received his Instructions in writing to repair to Albany
in order to get the Grant (as a deed of Gift) of the
Ground where Fort Orania stood, the Deeds to be
made out for the Crown to be appropriated for his
Majesty. Store houses to be built on &^ Upon that
:ondition to take down the remainder of the Publick
Buildings situated in the Centre of the Streets of Al-
Dany and to be sold for the benefit of the Crown all
is per Instructions, at the same time.
7*. Took my passage and
388 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
8* embarked for Albany. [Embarked from Albany
October \%^ on his return to New York and reached
it in the morning of the 21" of October.]
22°"*. Waited on the Comm' in chief delivered my
dispatches. Presented him my Proceedings together
with the copy of the Corporation's Deeds and Release
for his approbation before I should further Execute
his orders. Directed by him to take advice from the
King's attorney General and to fee him to present him
the deed and release to examine to prevent future cavil.
23"*. Attended again on the Attorney General con-
cerning the deed, who found it altogether unsafe and
subject to future cavil that the verdict of their Jury at
Albany will re-enter when they release agreeable to the
Tenor of that deed relating to, if in case they should not
be occupied or misapplied and that it would be more
advantageous to the Crown to have the Deed made
out immediately to the King, his heirs and successors.
24* — October 1766. Presented to the Comm' in
Chief in writing the minutes of advices given me ver-
bally by the King's Attorney General.
29***. Received leave of absence for England for 6
months — Paid this passage 10 guineas and 12 for my
provision & found myself.
30*. I embarked on Board the Brittanic — Cap' Jef-
fries, master at 8 o'clock this morning and at \ after
for London. The owner of this vessel Robert Mur-
ray Merchant at New York a Quaker. Burthen 300
tons — Built last year at New York. Passengers
* Captain Michelson — Captain Skene — both of the 28*.
Captain Standish Royal Artillery and Lieu* Willocks,
69*^ besides others. The Ships lading — Logwood —
Iron — Nicaragua wood — Pot Ash — Pitch — Tar — Cot-
ton. Timbers of this ship of Cedar, Locust and Mul-
berry trees. Lining — oak — Locust preferred now to
the Rest, value of this vessel complete 4000;^ New
York currency. Drawing 15 feet water. At Sea —
Crew 1 2 seamen, only 2 can hand reef or steer. Crew
mutinous, one threatened to murther the Captain.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 389
November 29*** (1766). England Falmouth.
30***. Hired post horses and chaise and set off at 11
this morning for London. Arrived this night at S'
Columb, a village in the County of Cornwall, 28
miles from Falmouth.
December i*'. Arrived at Oakhampton.
2°^. At Exeter.
3^**. Set off in the Flying Machine four horses and
2 postillions for London at 2 this morning. Arrived
at Salisbury.
4*. Set off at 2 this morning and arrived after dark
in London.
5* London. Went to the War Office to deliver my
Dispatches, no one to be seen. To the Treasury and
delivered their Dispatches to Grey Cooper Esq' Sec-
retary to it.
6*^. Delivered my Dispatches from the Comm' in
Chief to Lord Barrington Secretary at War. Waited
on General Burton, Sir Jeffrey Amherst, Colonel
Barr^, Lord Townsend, General Webb, Colonel
Howe, Sir John Johnson.
7*^* December 1 766. Went to the Tower to wait on
M' Boddington.
8*^. Waited on Col Barr^ — General Monkton.
9*. Waited on Co* Amherst.
10*. Was introduced by General Burton to the
Marquis of Granby.
11*^. Attended on M' Boddington at the Tower also
on Sir Jeffrey Amherst.
I2'^ On the marquis of Granby at Knightsbridge
but not at home.
13*. On Col Barr^. Made out my memorial and
case to be presented to his Majesty setting forth my
services in North America for the last Twelve years.
16*. Went with Sir Jeffrey Amherst to his seat in
Kent to pass some days.
19*. Returned from Sir Jeffrey Amhersts with him to
London. Presented to Sir Jeffrey my memorial and case
(intended for his Majesty) for his perusal and advice.
390 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
22"**. Waited on Sir Jeffrey Amherst who was
pleased to alter my memorial to his Majesty and also
my case, and returned it to me ; applied to him to
present it to the Marquis of Granby to be presented
to his Majesty, thought by him improper as rep-
resenting his Rlajesty as Comm' in Chief but advised
him by him to present with another memorial to the
Secretary of War, at the same time offered his
Services in sending of it and going with me to the
Marquis of Granby.
23"*. Was sent for by Sir Jeffrey Amherst who ac-
quainted me he had received from Lieu* Gov' Col-
den a letter, which he thought worthy of presenting
to his Majesty and that he should present it to Lord
Shelburn Secretary of State. Walked with him to
Tylers an Eminent Statuary in order that I might
assist him by making a perspective view of Montreal
and its Fortifications from some of my drawings which
I undertook, the Intention of this, is to be cut out of
Stone, in order to be fixed in the Pediment of the
Door, in the Front of the Principal Story of his House
now building on his Estate at River Head Kent
26*. To Firham.
27*. Returned to London.
Jafiuary 2°**, 1767. I settled my account with John
Boddington Esq' my agent at the Tower London and
took my abstract. And took my Captain Lieutency
of Engineers out of the office dated 28"** December
1 765 in the room of Wilkinson — preferred.
3"*. Drawing a perspective view of Montreal for Sir
Jeffrey Amherst to be cut out in marble by M' Tyler,
Statuary, in order to be fixed in the pediment of the
Door of his new house building at his seat at New
River Head Kent.
4*. Sent for by Co* Barr^ with regard to my private
affairs.
February 2"^ 1767. Waited on his Grace the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury, at his Palace at Lambeth. De-
livered him a letter with some interesting particulars
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR, 39 1
from North America in relation to the Coalition between
the Dissenters of Scotland and North America &^ was
offered his Lordships good offices in what manner I
should choose to employ them.
4* Applied to Sir Jeffrey Amherst to take me to
Lord Granby's. Agreed to meet him there Levee day.
1 1*^. Lord Granby's Lev^e day. I attended his Lord-
ship Indisposed. Presented Co^ Fawcett his military
Secretary with my memorial and services in order to
be delivered to Lord Granby and referred him to Sir
Jeffrey Amherst. Applied for a Majority by Brevet.
12^. Attended at Lord Granby's at the Ordnance
Board, Palace yard for the answer which was given by
Co^ Fawcett viz* — That his Lordship thought that I
merited what I applied for, But that His Majesty was
very averse to giving Brevets, But that if I would ac-
cept of a company in the foot & quit my Engineer s
Commission, he would give it me, as then it would be
in his power to put me in the way of promotion. Re-
fused and giving reasons.
April 3. Waited on Lord Granby at his Graces the
Duke of Rutlands agreeable to appointment with him.
Presented him with General Gage's letter to him set-
ting forth my services [transmitted] me by the oppor-
tunity of Moncrieffe. His Lordship requesting me to
wait on him on Sunday morning early.
April 5* 1 767. Attended on Lord Granby who was
pleased to grant me a private conference with him at
Knightsbridge. I acquainted him that as it seemed
some difficulties might arise in relation to my obtaining
the Rank as Major on the British Establishment, I
humbly begged he would be pleased to grant me a
special Commission to appoint me Chief Engineer of
Canada the Importance of which Post would conse-
quently give me Superior Rank, that I asked no
additional Pay from the Government to obviate any
difficulties and the Rank as Lieu' Colonel in America
only — that it might not anyways affect the Corps, I
had the honour to serve in — Explained to him the hard-
392 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ships the Corps laboured under during the war in not
being admitted to take Rank agreeable to their Com-
missions &*". Answer — that he was very ready to
comply with my request and only begged leave to
have time to judge of the propriety of it and that he
might not do any Injustice to others and as to the
Rank he was surprized that Sir Jeffrey Amherst could
commit so egregious a mistake, a man of his good
sense, when our Commissions pointed out our right to
command agreeable to Seniority.
April 8*. Gave la Roque, Engraver, my plan of
Canada reduced to be engraved from Isle de Bernaby
& Bic quite to Montreal.
May i". Constantly attending at the 2 Engravers to
assist them in the Executions of the severnl Draughts
I have given them to Engrave for me viz' one of Nova
Scotia, one of the Province of New York, one of
Canada from the first Island to Montreal and one of
the City of New York and Environs with the Bosen
Harbour and Channel from the Hook.
2°^ Got 2 of my plans of New York and Environs
with the Hook and Channel from the Engravers being
just finished. Engraved by 1-a Roque, in the Strand,
upon the Examination of it found Thirty one Erratas.
I addressed it to the Honourable Major General Gage.
May 4* 1767. Attended at the Review of Lord
Pembroke's Regiment before his Majesty in Hyde
Park.
June 1 1*. Waited on Lord Granby. He told me
he knew my zeal and activity during the late war in
North America and that he should be happy in serv-
ing me and would [give me] that Canada district he
had promissed, that with regard to my rank as Lieu*
Col in America he would speak to the King. Men-
tioned to him my loss of Baggage and having served
two Expeditions as Chief Engineer without the 10 shil-
lings per day as others, desired that I should repre-
sent it and he would push it at the next Board.
July 3"*. Passed the Board for appointing me prin-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 393
cipal Barrack [master] for the Ordnance in North
America.
July 1 6*. Took my leave of Lord Granby.
July 24* — with regard to the Widows of Engineer's
Pensions.
July 25*. — Signed the letter to Lord Granby relat-
ing to the widows' pensions.
Jtily 31''. Received my warrant as Chief Barrack
master of the Ordnance for North America — signed
July 21" 1767 — and pay commenced the i" July — 1767.
Received it from the Secretary to the Honourable
Board of Ordnance at Lord Granby's house at Knights-
bridge. *
August [ ]. Took post Horses and went down
into Kent to Sir Jeffrey Amhersts at River Head to
have him certify my accounts presented to the Board
and concerning my loss of baggage and time of ser-
vice— two campaigns as Chief Engineer. Refused.
August 12* 1767. Arrived Post at Falmouth.
August 13*. At 6 o'clock this afternoon embarked
on Board the Lord Hyde Packet boat bound to New
York and immediately sailed.
IX.
Report of John Montresor, Engineer to General
Gage, concerning the Site of Fort Orange at
Albany.
October 13* 1766. At 2 o'clock this afternoon ar-
rived shewed my Instructions to Colonel Bradstreet
agreeable to them. Employed M' Sylvester the Law-
yer to draw out the Deeds, for making over the Land
where Fort Orange stood to the Crown. Took his
Advice in some cases with regard to acting in further
behalf of the Crown. Employed Bloodgood a Mas-
ter Carpenter to assist me in marking out in Lots
the large provision Store house and Forage house,
394 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
in order when put up at Vendue for the greater ad-
vantage of sale for the Crown : Gave directions to
the Several Departments to move out their stores
belonging to the King, into that near the River's
Edge called Kilby's store. The quarter Master Gen-
eral's Department Chose to remove theirs into a Room
of the Hospital, required a Room there to be wind
tight, and water tight, gave the necessary directions
to Bloodgood the Carpenter to effect it Gave him
also directions to prop up M' Kilby's Store House near
the River s Edge, in order to support the stores now
to be lodged therein upon a Remonstrance from the
Department to that Intent. •
I marked out the Boundaries of the Fort (Fort
Orange) directed by the Edges of the Counterscarp,
which I produced, and terminated them in an Angle
for my given points, agreeable to general Rules in such
cases, where there are no outworks. Covert way, or
Glacis. Not to notice the distance, and Radius of
Cannon or Musquetry.
October 14***. Waited on Colonel Bradstreet and
acquainted him in what manner the Corporation pro-
posed serving the Crown viz' — That I had met M' Syl-
vester &!" &" as per Copy of the Deeds consisting of
conditions of the Gift, below the Dignity of the Crown
in my opinion to accept and pitifull in the Corporation
in their Requisitions.
He Col Bradstreet, advised that should they not
conform entirely agreeable to the Commander in Chiefs
instructions, to leave every thing as I found them and
proceed to New York and make my Report thereof.
Advised by M"" Sylvester to leave the Stores within
the Storehouses, and not to remove any more, as they
had indited them as nuisances three times already and
should have taken them down had not the King's
Stores then occupied them (this to myself)
Meetings of the corporation twice and three times a
day concerning the Point now in question. At 8
o'clock this evening I sent for the Mayor out of the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 395
Meeting, being then sitting, to inform him, that did the
Corporation not conform to the first Paragraph of the
Commander in Chiefs Instructions directed to me, I
should decline any further transaction for the present,
and make my Report thereof, which was also Colonel
Bradstreet's opinion. Upon which the Mayor again
repeated that he thought the objections I started were
very reasonable, that he had acquainted the corpora-
tion therewith, and that they should be redressed. All
this relates to the Conditions they were for imposing
on the Crown. I again insisted upon their ascertain-
ing the Boundaries (granted) in the Deeds, to be
specified in a very particular manner to prevent any
future Disputes, and which could not be done in a
more accurate and equitable a Way than that I had
traced on the spot, but that I had observed some pick-
ets on the interior Body of the Old Work, irregularly
and improperly stationed, which I understood had
been this afternoon planted by Mr Bleiker the surveyor
which I apprehended was with no other intent than to
defraud the Crown, not being conformable to the tenor
of the General's letter to me vizt "the Ground where
Fort Orange stood."
I could understand in no other light than that
area or quantity of Ground which Fort Oranie ori-
ginally occupied ; and not agreeable to their promise
to the Commander in Chief. I entreated earnestly
with the Mayor that matters might be expedited and
hoped there might be no more cavilling or prevaricat-
ing with regard to that piece of land, which was
deemed by the world (already) to belong to the
Crown. Remark — Found that mild and moderate
means ineffectual and only served to retard the prog-
ress of this affair.
October 15*. A Council again this morning at 8
o'clock. I set the workmen to work under Kilby's
Store House to prop it up with Stauncheons, braced
to the Work & to the Ground. The Departments
continued moving their Stores, which I put a stop
39^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
to t31 the Council was over, in order that I mig^ht
be better able to judge how to proceed as per remark
the last Paragraph in page — .
At Eleven o'clock this morning received a message
from the Council sitting, by two of the Members,
Alderman Bogart and Mr Van Allen from the City
Hall, to be informed of the particulars of the objections
I had made relating to their first Original of the Deeds
— explained them to them. Requested by them in the
name of the Council to attend at the Citj- Hall. Com-
plied with the same and carried my plans relating
thereto. Furthermore explained my objections to their
Deeds and signified the same, article per article. Was
shewed by them General Gage's original letters which
seemed to comprehend that the Engineer sent, would
conform to the agreement (regarding the land) as
settled between the Corporation and the Consistory of
the Dutch Chiu^ch. Procured the Brouillon or Orig-
inal Draught of the Deeds, with the intended Condi-
tions to be imposed on the Crown. Agreed with the
Corporation and the Deeds ordered by them immedi-
ately to be made out
Applied to them for permission for as much land
round the Fort, as to admit of as much Breadth as
Waggons to go and return round the same, and as it
would [be] the means to prevent the Storehouses from
the Danger of Fire, from the proximity of the neigh-
bouring Buildings, which the increase of time might
bring about
I went at 4 o'clock this afternoon according to ap-
pointment with M' Bleiker Surveyor and some of the
Corporation and Wardens of the Dutch Chiu-ch, on
the Ground called Fort Orania, and marked the same
over again, by which I gained nine foot six inches on
the Breadth of the River and four feet four inches in
depth making in all the Square Contents of 140 feet
6 inches, along the River, by 125 feet in Depth, com-
mencing at 44 feet to the southward of the South-
wardmost inhabited lot of the City, the Eastwardmost
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 397
Boundary formed by the fixed Boarded Fence, which
runs parallel to the Road and River. Continued on
Kilby's Store and the Hospital. At 6 o'clock this
afternoon rode out to Colonel Bradstreet's and ac-
quainted him with the particulars within mentioned.
The whole approved of, Excepting the manner the
deed is executed which should be instead of (" as long
as his Majesty and his Heirs and successors should
require it'*) /or his Majesty and his heirs for ever
&*c. Acquainted the Mayor therewith, which he posi-
tively refused, declaring 'twas exacting from the Cor-
poration more than the General required; that the
tenor of the Deed ran sufficiently ample for his Ma-
jesty and his heirs to injoy that spot for ever, as long
as it was employed for the use of his Storehouses.
Informed Colonel Bradstreet again therewith who
gave me his opinion as before, together that the former
itters which had passed between the General and
Corporation were not what I was to consider of, but
his last Instructions to me were what I must abide
by ; as he termed it ** a Codicile to the rest," being of
a subsequent date. And that if they did not conform
to them in every particular, he thought that 'twas my
duty to proceed to New York without delay, and
make my Report thereof to the Commander in Chief.
Stopped the Departments from proceeding further
with removing their stores and provisions till such
times affairs were determined.
October i&^. Related to M' Duow, Mayor, what
passed between- Colonel Bradstreet and me, and that
the matter only rested with him the Colonel, Answer
that he should immediately assemble the Council, but
for his part 'twas no more than he expected &c &c.
(Private). And that the Corporation would write by
me to the General, and that he should soon set off
himself, and would explain matters in person. Waited
on Colonel Bradstreet — not at home.
October 17*. At Seven o'clock this morning went
out and waited on Colonel Bradstreet, shewed him
398 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the Deed and Release, and also their Resolves of the
8'*" of October 1765, which the General had already
seen. Continued in his Opinion as before. Explained
to him that the Condition in the deed, regarding the
Storehouses ever becoming useless to the Crown I
having prevailed on the Mayor to agree to eraze the
same as exceptionable. The tenor of the Deed being
what he Colonel Bradstreet Rejected not being exe-
cuted for ever. A Committee of three of the Com-
mon Council came to me to know if I accepted of their
offer or not. Answer ** I cannot at present."
October iS***. Waited on Colonel Bradstreet for his
determinative resolutions, which were as before — and
gave me as his opinion that I should proceed without
further delay to New York, and explain the particu-
lars to the Commander in Chief, which would be more
expeditious than by transmitting them by Post, an
Interval of sixteen days, from this day. After com-
pleating the propping up and repairing of Kilby's
Storehouse near the River side took my passage in an
Albany Sloop, and sailed at 6 o'clock this Evening
for New York. On embarking received a letter from
Colonel Bradstreet for the Commander in Chief. Re-
mark— The latter part of Page — relating to M'' V. P
Duow Mayor is as follows — That for his part as an
Individual, he should object in Council to any former
agreement with the Commander in Chief regarding
the Deed, since this was the Case, and as Mayor make
a total renunciation to any future Grant, and that mat-
ters might remain as they now stood, and that they
the Corporation would find means for taking down the
King s Storehouses, by the civil power, since the
Military one has not took place — that the General
very well knew, that they would meet with these Diffi-
culties by leaving matters to rest with Colonel Brad-
street, who was always at variance with them. I ex-
postulated with him upon this hasty declaration, but
to no effect. John Montresor
Albany October 18* 1766. Engineer.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 399
X.
Notes on Castle William (Fort) September 14TH,
1770, BY John Montresor Engineer.
September 19*** 1770. Upon again laying before the
Lieu' Governor, General Gage's letter of Instructions
to me of the 4* September, and at the same time
giving him for his Perusal my letter to the General of
the 1 7* September together with an Enclosed report
of the present state of Castle William with its Bar-
racks Magazines, Casemates, and Store Houses and
the Condition of its Batteries and outworks, he en-
tirely approved of my several Projections excepting the
Constructing the new piles of Officers and Soldiers
Barracks, for one Regiment which at the same time
he did not disapprove of, but did not altogether think
that step consistent with the letter of my Instructions
pointed out to me in the second Paragraph ; but that
whatever General Gage's Intentions might be in that
respect, he would wish to have complied with.
Upon this I gave Lieu* Colonel Dalrymple my in-
structions again to peruse and informed him of the
Lieu' Governor's sentiments in regard to the scheme
now pursuing and already undertaken, which he (Lieu'
Co* Dalrymple) could not possibly come into (those
sentiments) and that General Gage's meaning could
be construed no other ways than for compleating Bar-
racks for two Regiments & that undoubtedly if they
could not be accommodated within the Castle they
must be without and desired I would prosecute my
Design with all Dispatch. Lieu' Governor Hutchinson
observed that the difference of a fortnight would not
make any great difference in carrying on the said Bar-
racks, whereby I might write and receive an answer
from General Gage respecting them. I observed to
him that a fortnight at this late season would make
the difference of either making the Barracks habitable
for the Reception of the Troops or not. He remarked
400 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
to me, that he would be glad to save appearances and
would wish to have had them rather called Store
Houses than Barracks. Lieu' Co' Dalrymple very
justly observed, that those points did not affect us.
General Gage's letter of the 23^^ expressly forbid-
ding me pursuing the design of building a new pile of
Barracks agreeable to his commands of the 4''' of Sep-
tember. Part of the Barracks framed — 6 rooms below
and as many above and double work making 24 rooms.
Lieu' Co' Dalrymple recommended to me to erect them
as additional Barracks for the 14* Regiment — they
not having their full Complement of Rooms. I ob-
jected to it showing him the General's letter which
directs the completing those the 14''' are quartered in,
but undertake no more.
Return of Cannon mounted on the several works at
Castle William, Governor s Island — North and
South Battery at Boston November 1st, 1770.
I ¥
1 .
1-
1
h
11
1
i
1=
1 i i|
42 ,23
4
19] 0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0
0 1 0 noM
32 ,19
19
0] 0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0
I ' 0
0315
24 9
9
°
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0
18 4
0
4
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0
12 9
t
0
0
•0
4
4 0
0
0
0
7 8 1 0
9 130
0
0
24
0
0
6 0
0
0
0
I ' 0 1 0
6 1 5
0
0
<i
0
0
0 0
0
0
0
2 1 0 1 0
4 4
0
0
0
4
0
0 0
0
0
0
0,00
3 0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0
0 1 0 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
°
0
0 1 0 [ 0
Uec-
HO'
n-
1
0
0
0
0
0
0 1 0
1
I
0
0
0 0
10
I
0
c
0
0
0
0|0
0
0
0
0
0 . 0
Hmr.
1 )
.irt
S
0
0
8
0
0
0 1 0
0
0
0
0 j 0 j 0
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 4OI
The Engineer who built Castle William was Colonel
Wm Romer sent there for that purpose by King Will-
iam the 3"*, In his craving some assistance at the
General Court at Boston, one of the Puritans rose up
and said, *• That mud walls and prayer was a sufficient
Defence." The Engineer replied (with submission to
the representative) " that a stone one with good Guns
and ammunition was no bad one." Governors Island,
anno 1744, was fortified when Due D'Anville was ex-
pected. Noddle Island has good spring water ; there
is on it a Hill called Camp Hill where the 3 Regiments
encamped belonging to Sir Hovenden Walker and on
which the Troops were encamped for the Expedition
against Louisbourg under the Command of Sir Wm
Pepperall. Governor s Island contains 74 acres, three
of which are Pallisaded in & confessedly belonging to
the Crown even by the Proprietors of that Island heirs
to Lieu* Governor Winthrop from whence, called Gov-
ernor s Island. There are 3 Batteries — two at Boston
and one of Charleston all directed to the water, all in
very bad repair. The North Battery the best, though
bad, the South Battery the next, and the Charleston
one irreparable. The grand Powder magazine on the
Common at Boston will contain 1500 Barrels of Pow-
der. Governors Island — four 12 pounders and six 9
pounders in all ten guns. North Battery at Boston
seven 12 pounders, two 9 pounders and two 6 pound-
ers in all 1 1 guns. South Battery at Boston as per
tabulated Return.
Difficulties that arise in carrying on the present work
at Castle William September 14, 1770, Being the
day I arrived here from New York.
The season being too far advanced especially for
masonry as no morter work without, ought to be car-
ried on after the month of October.
Forty men only to be obtained from the 14"" Regi-
ment for a working party on account of the Strength
26
402 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
of their Guards, 74 men in the Hospital of the Bloody
Flux. At present supplying the Garrison with Fuel,
Straw & Provisions, from the Barrack master & Con-
tractors, together with servants, cooks. Bargemen,
Boatmen and on furlough, sentinels, regimental fa-
tigues, Taylors &c &c.
The 111 disposition of the malecontents at Boston,
whereby every article becomes more Expensive and
withall not the best of their Kind : as they are for a
service very repugnant to their republican Inclinations
and for making formidable a Post just taken out of
their hands — Castle William.
The soil at Castle William (after the first stratum
being one foot) not very kind, composed of hard clay
and Stones.
The Soldiers perpetually stealing the Tools and
Materials for the Works.
The Troops not being allowed fuel for Guard rooms
until the 28* October, they nightly take away the ma-
terials.
Works when carried on upon sudden emergencies
and to be dispatched with all possible Expedition (as
in the present case) cannot be expected to be executed
with that regularity or economy as might be wished.
A remarkable wet autumn as has been known for
many years.
The Situation of the Castle being on a Hauteur for
the Transportation of materials.
Forty men out of the 14* being allowed until the
I y^ October and 50 and ten of them or more gener-
ally delinquent.
The Tempest of Saturday the 20*^ October at N N.
East whereby was carried away Gentry boxes, Wheel-
barrows, most of the squared timber and Frame work,
4000 Pallisades ready squared and pointed, 3000 pine
Boards, 1000 Plank, several 100 pieces of Scantling, all
the fascines and Brush, 50 Hhds of Lime and several
Lighters of sand, stove most of the Boats, drove down
a stack of Chimneys through the roof into my Room.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 403
The wooden wharf as a Breakwater raised up and
part carried off as were all the Bay Houses.
The Demolition and removal of the several old and
useless Buildings, within the works of Castle William.
The early setting in of the Frosts at the clearing up
of the several Rains.
The Inhabitants not working on Sundays.
The present non-Importation agreement still sub-
sisting amongst the Merchants and Inhabitants where-
by what is wanted becomes exorbitant
The Shortness of the days at this season.
The Bloody Flux.
The time to effect the services I am now charged to
execute beingf circumscribed as the last of November
should close the works from the severity of the weather,
nothing can be well carried on without after that time.
The last day of October the weather so intense as
to oblige the artificers to work under cover great part
of the day.
The immoderate sight of materials stole, that the sev-
eral Huts are now composed of the Crown's ma terials.
No materials whatever previously provided.
The several Artificers working in general as suited
them best with respect to time, an Entire Indiffeience.
This season dearer than others being Harvest and
Labour exorbitant.
The materials on my arrival in general not to be
procured here viz' — Timber of 40 odd feet, Pickets for
Pallisades, Brush for Fascines — and Picket oak plank.
Sent for upwards of 100 leagues to the Eastward
and again by not having bespoke before hand obliged
to accept of the Timber Sl"" at Improper lengths which
what with Hewing and Wastage at the two Extremi-
ties amounts to upwards in Tonnage of 50 per cent
loss to the Crown.
December 6*** being a Thanksgiving, no artificers
work.
November 28'^. The First of the snow remaining on
the Ground being now 6 inches deep and much em-
barresed the several workmen in clearing of the same.
404 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
The Materials wanted at the Works at Castle Will-
iam from time to time, not only to be bespoke at a
Great Distance but also to be brought from that great
Distance and then frequently to Boston especially all
kinds of Lumber, there to be sur\eyed and from
thence to be reshipped and transported to Castle Isl-
and there carried up the Hill to the respective
works, which are in a perpendicular line 42 feet 9
inches above High water mark.
The Bleak Exposure of Castle William affects the
works considerably and likewise in the Carrying them,
insomuch that they may be carried on at Boston, a
fortnight after they are closed on this Island owing
to the above Reason.
The present necessity of forming on this Island the
various kinds of materials to the Dimensions wanted,
whereby wastage Tonnage &*" is to be considered.
The present rate of workmanship when compared
with that of the Town, from situation and circum-
stances.
The total In-attention throughout respecting the
forwarding the Service, /// a particular ChanneL
Another Circumstance which makes the Expenses
of Work here appear greater than they really are
viz' — the Spanish milled Dollar is received by the
Engineer at four shillings and 8 pence Sterling and
paid by him for workmanship and materials at four
shillings and six pence only.
Concerning the particular survey of Fort Castle
William & the Harbour, Kings Road, adjacent
Islands Sr' &''.
f Nip tides — Eleven feet to Highwater
Tides. -^ Full and change — fourteen feet and after
( a gale from sea — fifteen feet.
i Nantasket Road the safest anchorage
Anchorage. < for vessels far exceeding Boston Har-
( hour.
No. 8. Page 405.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
405
Dockyards.
J
Soundings.
/-
Opposite the Royal Battery the deep-
est water in case Government should
think fit to build Dockyards but very
much exposed to the N East winds
which very much agitate the waters
there.
Lovel's Island good water preferable for
drinking to all the other Islands or Town
of Boston and this generally affirmed to
be the only situation for Dock yards
for the Royal Navy respecting the Depth
of Water and the Communication thereto
principally, but greatly exposed from the
violence of the Ocean.
At 1 20 feet below Low water mark on
N East side of Castle William is the
front of the Royal Battery (built in 1701)
there is 3 Fathoms of Water being the
^ Edge of the Channel.
What is called the Narrows in the navi-
gation from the Light house to King's
road, particularly near the Black Rock,
the opposition that may be made there
seems to be the Hinge on which the In-
^ habitants chiefly depend.
The principal well at Castle William is
in the North East Front near the Royal
Battery it is by far the best water and
best supplied at all seasons.
Hillsborough redout for 150 men.
\See Illustrations. No. 8.]
Defects in the Construction of the Original works at
Castle William.
The 8 flanks of the Fort at right angles with the
Curtins. No Banquettes at all to defend any of the
works. All the Parapets crenelled, weakened thereby
Defence.
/-
Well.
^
406 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
and InsigniHcent The Parapets no Battery or Talus,
either within or without. Drains wanting to the
works. No Bombproof within the Fort, but the two
Casemates. No single Face, Flank or Curtains alike
in thickness. The area of the Fort too contracted.
The Platforms throughout of Pine. The pallisading
of the couvert way too feeble. No Ramp for trans-
porting the Cannon to and fro from the Works. Wells
80 feet deep and no pumps. Gates and Barriers not
sufficiently secured. Shirley's of 42 and four Gun
Batteries of Twelve pounders too elevated. Guerites
to the Fort and Batteries. The works of the Fort
embarrassed with ordnance or decayed carriages.
The wharf or retaining work round the Island to pre-
serve the soil and secure the works being of wood
in lieu of stone. The North East polygon which im-
mediately opposes the Channel not sufficiently thick
and the same of the rest The Grand Powder Maga-
zine Exposed and ill secured. The Escarpe or Face
of the Body of the Fort constructed of rough stone
instead of Hammered. The royal Battery constructed
a fleur d'eau so much so as to subject itself to the
Commanding fire from the Enemy's ships' tops. No
sufficient accomodations provided for the Garrison
(within the Fort) necessary for its Defence. Principal
Well of Castle William 80 feet in depth.
Since General Shirley's first being Governor of
Boston, the Works, Ordnance, and military Stores of
Castle William has cost the Crown ;^ 30.000 to the
present time. Shirley battery constructed in 1747,
Since Duke D'Anvilles Expedition. Four times a
year for the Exercise of the Great Guns and the De-
fence of the Batteries the following was the Disposi-
tion. One Regiment of 900 men fi"om Dorchester and
3 Companies from Chelsea, one of which was detached
to the Block house in Governor's Island. Remark —
50 men including officers are the present established
Garrison of Castle William by this Province — 25 of
which were either hutted or hired out (said) for want
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 407
of room, the rest of the Quarters converted chiefly
into apartments and conveniency for the Governor &
LieuVGov*.
Private Memorandums respecting the Barracks of the
14'* Re^ without Castle William.
The men are entitled to 36 Rooms and two more
for an Hospital, make 36 for a Regiment & 24 for. the
officers — Total 62.
The long Barracks of the 14* Regiment and which
I am now repairing is 301 Feet 6 inches long and 36
feet 4 inches broad and 6 inches thick.
23 rooms for Officers — 25 for Men^ — in all 48 —
Seven rooms in adjacent pile viz* Col Dalrymple has
3 — two kitchens and two mess rooms and 6 rooms in
the above pile — three occupied by Majors and three
by subalterns.
•
Rooms in Castle William — with their dimensions
and how occupied October 1770.
( Six rooms with ^ i Serjeant — i
Soldiers Bar-^ six chimneys I Corporal & 10
— '" feet by f men of Royal
racks.
feet
Artillery.
and in the 3 upper ones the 2 Castle Gunners
& a revenue officer.
As Soldiers Bar-
Two casemates "^ Artificers in one
im-
with 2 Chim- ! and Garri-
racks. 1 neys feet | son sutler in
(^ by feet. J tother.
Officer's guard f An officer's Guard Room] jj
room formerly \ with a Chimney feet f < tn
Bread room. ( by feet just built. j o
408 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR*
M^ ' r- J ( Seneants Guard room ) Men s
en s ouard- i •'. i i^i_- l «
< with a Chimney >- guard
( feet by feet. ) room.
room.
The Chapel feet by feet — Chapel with
arms.
The Cap* of the
Forts rooms
who is Lieu* to ^
that establish-
ment.
^ Two Rooms with one Chimney. ^
East room 13 Feet 10 inches
by 16 Feet 3 inches — west
one 13 Feet 10 inches by 11
Feet 6 inches.
c
Hi
The Captain of T Small center Room in the^ ^^^
the Fort occu- J Northwest Curtin no i^.S E >^
o E OS
<t- O CO
pied this room j chimney feet by
for his servants. (^ feet
The Royal Battery that directly opposes the Chan-
nel and consists of was built in the year 1701.
From a late estimation, what will now be wanted to
repair thoroughly the Dockyards at Halifax will more
than half pay the Constructing new ones at Boston.
This Harbour is one of the finest in the Universe,
'tis true the making of the Land is rather intricate.
What is remarkable is that 50 Sail of the Line might
be moored in a part of it without being discovered
viz' through Nantasket Road into Braintree Bay oppo-
site to German Town. Principal well at Castle Wm
80 P deep.
Only 3 pilot Boats belonging to Boston, one of
them Province and 2 to the Tenant of the Light house,
but all Piloted by the Same Family for many years
past.
Notes by yohn Montresor.
1 77 1. Kf" October. No Passengers offering and the
stage coach already filled I hired a Chariot and four
Horses at Providence this morning and reached Boston
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 409
at sun set being 45 miles. Waited this evening on L*
Co* Dalrymple commanding the 14*** Reg* at the Castle
and acquainted him with my Orders from the Com-
mander in Chief.
20*. Sunday.
22"**. Shewed L* Co* Dalrymple General Gage's In-
structions to me and this same day laid the same be-
fore Gov' Hutchinson.
26* Oct. I received by the Post, General Gage's
warrants for 2000;^ sterling as a temporary credit to
enable me to carry on the works at Castle William
agreable to his Instructions to me of the 8* Ins'.
Castle William, Oct. 28* 1771 — Opened the works.
Inhabitants of the Town of Boston 1771 are 20.000
Souls ; capable of carrying arms in Province of Mas-
sachusets 130.000 men. The Inhabitants of Philadel-
phia delivered into L* Gov' Rich** Penn 1772 were
40.000.
November 7* — Received a letter from the General's
Secretary.
10*. Received a letter from Gen* Gage dated Novem-
ber 4*.
II*. Answered the Gen*" letter of this date. Wrote
a letter to Cap' Maturin and enclosed him the abstract
of Disbursements for the Repairs of Castle William
Barracks occupied by the 14'*" Reg' in order to have a
warrant sent.
Monday Nov 25, 1771. Set out from Boston for
New York from thence april 6 — 1772 to Phil*.
April 1 7 — Arrived at New York.
May 18, 1772. Set out from Boston for Philadel-
phia via New York to trace out the Fortress upon
Delaware and arrived on the 31*', and arrived at Bos-
ton June 23^ the works having never been discon-
tinued at Castle William.
August % 1772. Closed the works at Castle Will-
iam. Set out for Philadelphia via New York Aug
II — and returned to New York September 25*.
4IO JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Expence for Castle William repairs from 19 Oct 1771
to Au£f 8, 1772
Wharves &c £ Lawful money = 8696 .16. 9
Ovens 289. 7. o
Wells .^83 . 2 . 10
Lawful money 9369 .6.7
at 4/8** per Dollar is in Sterling 7287 . 5 . ij.
Respecting the want of fresh water at Castle William..
There is a deficiency from the latter end of July
unto the latter end of November. Fourteen days
with the wells lockt produces one month's water. The
consumption has been g^eat this year. First — as
there were repairs carried on in the summer time,
especially in Masonry — A company of men added —
ID* Company — Two Reg** from Halifax 64* & 65*
for a short time — and why more sensible of it, as
the 14*** is now 400 men — 70 women & 90 children.
Obliged to employ a large Boat every other day —
Sent to Boston to Peck's wharf & bought there at one
shilling per Hogshead — One hh** serves one Company
of the 14* Reg* Two days.
XL
Remarks respecting the Sound or Arm of the
Sea formed by Long-Island and the Main»
IN (177 1.) John Montresor.
From New- York the Navigators seldom term it the
Sound untill they arrive between Sands-Point and
Hart Island which opens the Sound and then the
Course is E by N untill you arrive at this place from
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 4II
New- York the Navigation is more of the River than
Arm of the sea.
The Depth of water to New Haven is about 12
Fathoms & from thence to New Port about seventeen
fathoms.
Sands Point is known by a Grove or parcel of Trees
seen under and is about Central between Hart Island
& Execution Rocks, but on the East or Long Island
Side.
New-Haven the broadest part of the Sound being
30 miles across to Long-Island and is generally looked
upon as half way to New-Port.
Hell Gate and the Horse Race the only two diffi-
cult Passes by water from New York to New Port and
neither of them when thoroughly known, the former
generally requires a Pilot HeU Gate passage requires
judgment both as to the time of tide and direction
through.
What is remarkable is that at White Stone on the
Long Island side and its opposite on the Ajain called
Major Stevens's, that these two Points form or bound a
subaqueous height of Land whereby the Ebbs and
the Flood Ebb froHk and flood to it there being just
here little or no advantages to be expected from the
Tides.
Fisher's Island contains 5000 acres, has two pretty
good harbours called the East Harbour & West Har-
bour, the latter an Exceeding good one both on the
westw*^most side of the Island.
There is a Reef of Rocks from this P* of this Isl-
and to Watch Point on the Main Excepting a Passage
of 900 yd* for a Vessel.
Block Island has tis thought between 6 & 8cxx>
acres of Land — 40 Families — only fit for Grazing —
remarkable for its Excelling in Cheese — No harbour
whatever in it — there is a Sandy Bay on the Ocean
side with pretty good anchorage, otherwise the an-
chorage round this Island is but Indifferent.
A Fleet of shipping cannot enter the sound from
412 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the sea but on the S. E. side of Fisher's Island and
SO through the Horse Race for on the N West Side of
it, it is in some places but Ten feet at low water.
From N. York to New Port reckoned to be 2CO
miles.
From Point Judee to New-Port is 15 miles.
From New London to New Port is 60 Miles. The
Horse Race is formed by Fisher's Island and the two
Gull Islands. The Horse Race runs five Knots both
flowing and ebbing of the Tide, the Passage on the
North Side of the Island the same ; tides run only 3
Knots.
Point Judee which is in the Rhode Island Govern-
ment & but 1 5 miles from New Port is a bold Point
having 6 and 7 fathoms of water within one mile of it
it has a little trifling^ reef of Rocks off and close to
the Point of a J mile in length. Four miles off of
that Beech it is twelve fathoms.
Shipping at sea when bound for New Port would
wish to first make Long-Island about one-third S.
westerly from the East End, their soundings then di-
rect them and they are then sure they are • out of the
Gulph Stream after that they make Block Island and
then Point Judee.
Any one may easily conceive the Excellence of this
Port by the bold access to it, but by nothing so much
as there being no Pilot Boats belonging to it.
The Entrance of the Port of New London is pointed
out by a Light House and on sailing in you pass
through two Reefs of Rocks one mile asunder.
Block Island is from New Port 10 leagues if you make
the S. E side of Block Island you must steer N. N.
East for New Port if on the other side, then N. East
^ North. The Tides should be consulted when mak-
ing the choice of the sides of the Island. The high-
est Land on Block Island is on the South Side bear-
ing from Center of Block Isl*^ to Point Judee is N and
by East.
In being bound for New Port and after sailing in
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 413
With ^^ of Long Isl"* S. west** and then making Point
Judee as aforesaid then steer for the Light House on
Cannannicut Island, on a Point called Beaver's Tail,
this Island is 7 miles Long after passing which
steer a N E Course, the next object will appear
will be the North End of the Island on which the
Fort Stands, the Fort will soon discover itself after
the Light House is passed — the Channel is from 10
to 1 7 Fathoms Water and then on reaching the fort
the Soundings is about from 7 to 10 fathoms of Water.
The North Side is best for Ships of War, the South
having a spit off the End of Castle Island. Twenty
sail may ride at anchor within the Harbour. Ships of
war, generally remain just without the North entrance.
Castle Island is about ^ mile Long & 150 yds broad
and is no more than a Battery not being enclosed in
its Rear.
Tides at New Port at full and Change Rise 7 feet,
at Neep — 5.
The Light House Stands on the Point that forms
Narragansett Bay on the left Side and Providence
River on the right.
The navigation to Providence excellent untill you
arrive at Patuxet which is within 5 miles of it just
above it for a J mile is a piece of Ground but two
fathoms thereafter 3, from Newport to this Shoal from
Twelve to Seven Fathoms.
A Bold Shore of near 6 fathoms round Castle Isl**,
excepting the Spit. In steering up Providence River,
Patuxet Town is seen in one Reach for 12 Miles, steer
pretty straight towards, but give a good berth to
Canemmicut Point being a Point that projects out
some distance in the River off of the Township of War-
wick on the W side of this River.
And then again in Steering for Patuxet give a good
Berth to Bullock's Point projecting as a Sandy spit a
mile & a quarter from the E' Side of this River.
Providence from New Port lies about N and by
West. This River is wide, it appears very straight
414 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR*
but the Channel is not owing to several sandy spits &
Oyster Banks on both sides.
The Town of Providence is nearly in a line as you
steer for Patuxet, tho five miles from it owing to a
sinuosity which a remarkable Bluff makes which is
just i way. And the 2 fathoms piece of ground be-
fore mentioned is between Patuxet and this Bluff.
Tides rise & fall at Providence much as at New Port.
Patuxet River has a fall of Water which tumbles into
the Salt Water. A very crooked Channel opposite Pa-
tuxet when abreast of the Distill houses steer for a
little Rocky Island or clump of Rocks in the water
covered with Shrubs, there is another rather bare but
take the Northerwest giving Sabines-Point on the
East main a respectable berth. The reason for Steer-
ing to the little Rocky Isl** is to avoid a bed of Oysters
not 20 yards round besides an oyster Bank. Patuxet
Riv' 4 miles up it is the Bridge to which small Deck**
Boats may sail. There is a Bluff to the North w** that
forms the Entrance of Patuket Riv'. That requires a
good Berth given to it having a small spit this Bluff
is near ^ mile to the Southward of the Town. The
widest part of the Sound is between N Haven &
Fortune Is** — 10 leagues. Fortune Is** is ^ way to
N Port — 100 miles.
XII.
Mud Fort, or Fort Mifflin. [Extracts from the
Journals and Note-books of Capt. John Mon-
TR^SOR.]
^' Philadelphia, April 2\y 1771, Sunday. I arrived
in Philadelphia at 1 2 o'clock this morning, and imme-
diately waited upon Governor Penn for his commands.
I was informed that ' his Secretary and two Commis-
sioners should prepare some papers and lay them be-
fore me to-morrow.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 4I5
" 22°**. This morning being nearly elapsed, waited
on the Secretary, who shewed me a sketch of that
part of the River where Mud Island is situated, being
as their opinion the proposed spot for fortifying, as
also a project of Lieutenant Myers, of the 6oth Regi-
ment, the whole without scale, compass, or remark,
together with some bearings and distances. The Sec-
retary acquainted me that Governor Penn had ap-
pointed the Committee to meet to-morrow at the State
House where my attendance was requested.
'* 23"*. At half-past ten this morning, attended at
the State House, and met the Governor and the
Board of Commissioners. The same sketches were
introduced. Informations were delivered by the re-
spective Committees, and opinions passed thereon."
[The project of Lieutenant Myers, above referred to,
was handed in as far back as September 1 762. Captain
Montr^sor laid before thfe Commissioners six designs for
a fort, and for No. i of the series, made an estimate
for a star redoubt, costing ;^ 15,000 Pennsylvania cur-
rency, and that the foundations on piles, which he
considered necessary, would be ;^5,ooo more. His
plan also included retrenched batteries at Gloucester
in New Jersey, Gloucester Point in Pennsylvania, op-
posite, and Windmill Island; the three to cost ^^ 10,-
000. He also advocated twenty floating batteries
complete for ;^2,ooo, besides materials and combusti-
bles for fire-rafts, in store ;^ 1,000, together with an
arsenal of intrenching tools and other military stores,
to cost ;^7,ooo.
The Commissioners were in favour of economy, and
for paring down some of the estimates, even to reject-
ing the use of piles* for a foundation, whereupon the
• The Engineer estimated ** that it will take 20 men six months to lay
the foundation of piles, each pile to be from 12 to 15 inches in diameter,
capped and shod ; each, when drove, will cost about fifteen shillings,
Pennsylvania currency, and to be drove only their own diameter
asunder."
41 6 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
engineer wrote to them " that a good engineer is not
unlike a good physician, who prescribes what is most
beneficial without regarding expenses. Whatever is
to be done ought to be permanent and compleat, other-
wise it will never be an honour to those that order it,
nor those that execute it ; on the contrary (while it
has an existence) it will remain an imputation of ig-
norance to the engineer, and of ill-timed parsimony
to the provinces. For example, the battery at New
York, and that cost ;^25,oc)0 cum multis alliis. I
have no inclination for building you a Luxembourg,
or a L'Isle, or in any degree to involve the province
into endless expense. What I purpose laying before
you shall be compleat to the utmost of my ability. As
you abridge your expenses, so must I my estimate.
If your grant is contracted, so must be your works." *
A bill was passed by the General Assembly, making
* One of Captain Montresor*s note-books is labelled, ** Fort I built on
Mud Island for the province of Pennsylvania, and for which I have never
been paid." It contains this note, '' This work is intended to mount 32
pieces of cannon, 4 mortars, and 4 royal howitzers, making on the whole
40 pieces of ordnance, which at 6 men each make 240 men required, 160
musquetry, in all 400 garrison.''
'* Expenses paid by me {John Montresor) on the works at Philadelphia
and not yet reimbursed me.
Draughtsman for copying Travelling Models in the Stage
Models Horse killed Baggage in the Stage
Postage { My Lodgings & Board in Philadelphia for
Boathire \ myself and servant & Livery for my 2
horses.
Expenses for Self^ Servant &* horses on/ road. Ferriages—from Phila*"
to New York for one chais and horse for self and i Horse for Servant,
Neshaming One shilling, one penny Pennsylva.
Trent Town 3 do one do do
Brunswick i do Eleven do
P'Saick 24 coppers
Hackensack 2 Shillings & 8 coppers
Powles-hook 6 do & i copper
Boats Crew white oak Barge i guinea
do of one of the Island., i do
Expenses from Phila' to Boston and return— Twice."
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 417
an appropriation of;^ 15,000 for the erection of a forti-
fication, and the purchase of Mud, or Deep Water
Island, from Joseph Galloway, the Speaker of the
House. On June 4, 1772, Captain Montr^sor traced
out the lines of the fortifications, and leaving the work-
ing-plan in the hands of Mr. Palmer, the head work-
man, repaired to New York to resume his duties. On
May 13, 1773, the fort was still unfinished, and Richard
Penn, under that date, writes in behalf of the Board of
Commissioners to New York, to the engineer, that the
work is " almost at a stand, and unable to proceed
without more ample directions and some particular
plan, and begs his personal attendance as soon as he
can make it convenient,"
More funds were needed, and on January 22, 1774,
John Penn laid before the House of Assembly a mes-
sage, which thus concludes, ** You willj on enquiry, find
that the work, so far as it has been executed, is done in
a masterly manner, and that materials to a considerable
value are on the spot, ready to continue it as soon as
the season will admit ; the plan of the Fort, and the
Commissioner's account, will be laid before you, by
which you will perceive what remains to be done, in
what manner the money has been disposed of, and
how much is yet in arrears to the workmen, &c.
From hence you will be able to judge what further sum
will be wanting to complete a work which has for years
been considered by the legislature of this Province as
an object of the greatest importance for the defence
and protection of this populous and flourishing city,
against His Majesty's enemies in time of War." ^
On the occupation of Philadelphia by the British m
troops. Captain Montresor planned and built the works
for the reduction of Mud Fort, which was evacuated on
the night of Nov. 15, 1777.
In the General Orders issued Nov. 16, 1777, by Sir
Wm. Howe, he particularly mentions Captain Mon-
tresor, and names other officers to whom his thanks
were due ; but in his dispatch to Lord George Ger-
27
I
418 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
maine of November 28, he only mentions by name
Brigadier-Gen. Cleaveland, who had really very little
to do in the reduction of Mud Island. Very naturally,
this omission of the name of the Engineer, who had the
practical direction of the siege, was felt as a great
slight ; and although Sir W. Howe afterwards sent his
Aid-de-Camp, Capt. Nisbett Balfour, to beg his pardon
for the oversight, yet the injury had been inflicted, and
this apology was felt to be but a '* poor requital."
Capt. Montr^sor further says in one of his note-books,
** This omission of my name being mentioned to the
Secretary of State in the Commander-in-Chiefs letter,
lost me my rank, and obliged me to resign my com-
mand. I was joined in thanks in General Orders with
Brigadier-Gen. Cleaveland, who never was on the
Battery until the Guns were mounted, and just before
they were opened. During that undertaking this
grand hero was in bed wrapped up in his flannels, and
he told Sir Wm. Howe and myself that he wished that
grand attack could be changed, as his men were dis-
heartened from its exposure, and complaints were made
of its flimsiness to obtain it. One of the 'Eagle's'*
24 pounders would have been left in a mud-ditch but
for the Engineer. This great hero laid under the
heaviest displeasure of Sir Wm. Howe at Boston, for
abandoning the town a week before the Troops, and
went below Castle William, leaving his artillery and
mortars behind, and no men to spike some of the
guns," &c. Respecting the works, and their erection
for the reduction of Mud Island, he says : *' During 23
campaigns I have served in this country, this service
was by far* the most severe, not having been hi bed
for nine nights together, and remaining in general in
the midst of the swamps, and at a time when I was
very unwell, and the two last nights no one to assist
me in constructing the Left Battery, never quitting it
until it was opened."
* The ** £l<ngle " was Lord Howe's flag-ship.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR- 419
XIIL
Fords across the Schuylkill River in 1777 from
Potts' Grove to Philadelphia by Captain John
Montr6sor-
Pottsgrove where are 2 Fords & these 18 miles by land to Read-
^ ing, being nearer by 5 miles than the Road North side of
i Schuylkill River.
Swan Tavern a fine Ford & a )
short mile to Potts Town. \
Parker's Ford a good ford.
North's Ford-
;»?
BuckwatePs & where V^ashington went last Friday,
Gordon's Ford Mouth of French Creek.
«*
Longford — MoorehalL
Richardson's,
Paulins.
Fadand. Can ford it with Horse by people who know )
it and in low tides, )
Swede's Ford.
Bevins . . . mS' . . 15,
Matson's.
Levering's,
Robin Hood bad ford.
Philadelphia.
420 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Memoranda.
3 miles from Tredruffrin to Valley Forge. 2 do.
more to Moorehall, 12 do. from Moorehall to Potts-
grove and 18 to Reading. Reading a Grand Maga-
zine. A Guard at Thomas's. 70 Rod from Moorehall
to Longford and Richardson's the best Ford very nar-
row the road to go down to Richardson's but the most
Commanding. The Providence meeting House one
mile and \ from Moore-Hall a Hill amazingly command-
ing— highest land in this country about. A Guard
subs at Thomas's within Musquetry from the Shore at
Longford.
XIV.
Captain John Montresor's Journal from January
jst j^^^ ^Q December 24TH 1778.
New-York January 1" 1777* This day Lord Corn-
wallis went in the Armed schooner Alert from New
York to Amboy.
8'^ The British 60 Gunship Lord Shuldham for
Eng** from hence.
12'*". Arrived the Flora from Halifax — ^.Sail** the
Greyhound for Rhode Isl"^.
14**". This morning at one o'clock arrived in armed
schooner Alert — General Lee from Amboy and prop-
erly guarded. Ordered by the Commander in Chief
to deliver over all my spars and scantling that I re-
ceived from Halifax and Lunenberg th** paid by my
order and charged to me by M' Grant in my general
abstract & vouchers & comprehended in my first War-
rant
5^*" April 1777. Sailed the Eagle from the East to
her station in North River.
0*^. Arrived several Transports belonging to Thames
Convoy, blown to West Indies.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 42 1
9*. Extremely hot. Thermometer 8o^
10***. Very warm but Thermometer fallen to 6o^
Arrived the Bute and Richmond frigates from a cruize,
the latter very sickly.
II*. The Country people daily escaping thr*" the
Rebels and coming in with their arms.
12*. Prizes daily arriving from our cruizers. Coun-
try people come in & list in the new levies by scores.
13*^. Lord Cornwallis Commanded Detachment
from Brunswick and defeated the Rebels at Bound
Brook — marched in 2 Columns one on each side the
Rariton — Rebels lost 3 brass field pieces, 10 left dead,
80 prisoners, 4 officers, one of which aid de camp to
the Commanding Officer Major General Lincoln from
Connecticut, took the General's baggage and icohead
of Cattle.
14*^. A hard gale at the North West and cold.
19*. Party of rebels surprized near Amboy — 17
taken and 2 killed and 2 light horse. No loss on our
side. Within this week past 500 country men have
come in.
21**. Expedition Embarked. Arrived Eleven Sail
Transports had been blown to sea, belonging to the
Thames Convoy. I look upon this day to be the last
of the Campaign. A Cold South West wind.
9^** Jtine (Monday) 1777. At 4 o'clock this after-
noon Sir W™ Howe left New York and arrived at
Amboy at 10 this night Also the Engineers Stores
&*". Account received (privately) from the Indians
that 700 of the [Chetig ] will be ready to join
us as soon as we open the communication — Doubt
it very much.
lo***. At twelve o'clock the whole Army arrived at
Amboy.
11***. Sir Wm Howe left Amboy at 11 o'clock with
an Escort of one officer and 20 dragoons for Bruns-
wick. Troops to be left at Amboy — 2 Battalions Ans-
pach — one Battalion Waldeckers & 55*** Regiment.
12*. The Line left Amboy under the Command of
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 423
i7'\ Redoubts continued no further. Escort from
Brunswick. Daily Intelligence but of little conse-
quence. Showery weather.
18*^. Escort returned to Brunswick. Weather cool,
Now 9 days provision with the Army. A courier re-
turned from Northward. Northern army had not
crossed the lakes the 28* May but had been seen to
South Westward, had driven then to Otter creek. In
a patrol had 2 Killed, 2 Hessian Serjeants Grenadiers
Sc!" — I Jager & 3 wounded.
19*. This morning at 2 o'clock the line moved &
proceeded to Brunswick, the column with Lord Corn-
wallis following in the Rear. Encamped on each side
the River Rariton by ^ past 7 this morning. Some
firing on our Rear but checked with the guns. In
marching oflf two of5ficers and fourteen of the Fifty
fifth— missing.
20'** Brunswick. Came up several small craft and
the Stores — Provisions &c &c, when immediately em-
barked. Skirmishing, rebels firing on our advanced
piquets. Some deserters came in.
21*' June 1777. Working parties employed in de-
stroying the faces of the redoubts next the river on
the Brunswick side and to the country on the opposite
side. The small craft sailed with the Stores ** de
guerre de bouchey Rebels firing on our piquets. Ar-
rived at Brunswick from England one Company (com-
pleat) of Artillery.
22"*^ — Sunday. At break of day the line moved
from Brunswick & by evening the whole encamped at
Amboy excepting some Regiments that marched
through and ferried to Staaten Island. During this
day 2 skirmishes happened and one Carronade from
the rebels that brought in our rear, two 1 2 pounders
and 3 Battalions with their colours red, yellow and
white. We had one man killed and about 16 wounded,
the rebels lost some and we took from them a Captain
by the name of Porter.
23'"^. The Commander in Chief reviewed the 2
424 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Battalions Anspach. Baggage waggons ferrying over
to Staaten Island. 43 Sail of Transports now in
Princes Bay. Boats constantly arriving from New
York to take off the Stores from hence.
24*. The working parties of 300 men for erazing
the Interiour parts of the works at Amboy counter-
manded. Deserters from Rebel Light horse. Some
flying parties of the rebels Horse and Foot on Straw-
berry Hill, three miles from this Encampment. This
evening advanced a body of our men and took post
on Strawberry Hill to the right road to Woodbridge.
25*\ This morning early Ferguson's Riflemen sur-
prised and took one Rebel Light dragoon and also an
advanced Piquet, shot the officer thr** the thigh and
took him with 4 privates, the rest escaped. The Scar-
bor** 20 Gun Ship with 16 sail from Halifax arrived at
New York.
26*^. At 3 o'clock this morning the Army moved in
2 Columns, the right Lord Cornwallis — left Major
General Vaughan — the Right Column took the Wood-
bridge Road and the left the Brunswick road but turn-
ed off the road to Metuchin meeting and 1 200 men
were sent on to take post at Bonham town ^ way to
Brunswick from Amboy and the 2 Columns encamped
this night at Westfield. A continued firing most of
this day's march. Lord Sterling and General Max-
well with 3000 men and 4 brass field pieces principally
opposed us near Westfield, but were put to flight
leaving behind 3 Brass Field pieces, 3 Pounders one
French and 2 English. Supposed to have killed this
day about 50 of the Rebels and took 64 prisoners in
arms and about 500 head of horned cattle. Washing-
ton with the gross of his Army made off* very early
with the utmost Expedition and his Baggage and re-
tired to his old post on the Shannoc mountain. The
heat ot the weather was such that we lost 9 men on
the march by it. We had no men Killed and about
20 wounded and a Captain in the Guards shot through
the Body. Great want of water as the Inhabitants
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 425
had choaked several of their wells. Most of the
Houses were abandoned, what were not had only
women and children. The rebel army had moved
from the Mountain Country leaving there looo men
and had taken post at Quibbletown three miles South
of the mountain. The Engineers and Artificers were
divided with the 2 Columns — two Established and an
Assistant Engineer to each, myself with the Com-
mander in Chief. The first body that fired on our
right Column was about 1500 men under a General
Conway and 3 field pieces, which were soon routed
with loss by the usual Intrepidity of Light Infantry.
Lord Chewton, aid de Camp to Lord Cornwallis had
his horse shot under him. One man raved with a
coup de soleil and fired at our own flankers. Amongst
the prisoners a Major, 2 Captains and an Adjutant the
latter shot through the thigh.
27*. At 5 this morning the whole returned towards
Amboy and encamped within a mile of Woodbridge.
A little firing just setting out and took 2 officers and a
Serjeant of Rebel rifle men. A packet from England
arrived at New York and vessels with lumber &"" from
Halifax. Rebels broke up the Bridge across Rahway
River, upper branch, called Robertson's River where
is a remarkable good port on the East side. Not the
least firing on our River.
28*. At 4 this morning the whole marched and
reached Amboy in 5 hours and mostly encamped.
Weather exceptionally hot — no firing at all. This
country richer and better watered. Part of the Army
Continued their march, crossed the Ferry to Staaten
Island and encamped there, and one Brigade of Hes-
sians embarked on board their respective vessels ly-
ing near Amboy. Much baggage. Waggons, Horses
&" ferried across likewise. Some deserters from the
Rebels and one Light dragoon. The Vigilant armed
with 18 and 24 pounders &*= made up the Rariton, so
as to flank our Camp. Flat bottomed boats -and such
cratt arrived this afternoon at Amboy from Princes Bay.
426 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
29* Sunday, The whole day principally taken up
in transporting in Flat boats &*" the Baggage of this
Army across to Staaten Island together with every
kind of ** Stores de Guerre de bouche *' besides Ar-
tillery, Horned Cattle, waggons, Horses and a work-
ing party of 300 men employed in Erazing the Inte-
riour faces of the Redoubts & the Exteriour of Fort
Callibogus fronting towards Staaten Island. Six de-
serters came in. Captain Finch of the Grenadiers
died of his wounds and buried this day at Amboy.
Every preparation forming this day for our leaving the
Province tomorrow. Galliesand armed vessels posted
in the Kills and Raritan so as to cover our passage
from Staaten Island which ferry is about f of a mile
across. New York Company of Volunteers detached
from King s Bridge towards White plains — killed 6
of the rebels and brought in Eight Prisoners — Twenty
five head of Cattle and Eleven Horses.
30*^. Wind at South East and rain. This morning
early began to call in our posts which were advanced
to Strawberry Hill and continued retiring the army to
the Town and embarking the whole in boats until \
past 3 this afternoon when the Province of New Jer-
sey was entirely evacuated by the King's Troops, the
Rebels were so disconcerted by the secret and very
unexpected movement of the army on the 26*^ Instant
that not a shot has been fired by them since, as the
last boats were coming off an Inhabitant came in from
Westfield not having met with any one between that
and Amboy. Our army on disembarking at Staaten
Island immediately marched on and occupied their
several grounds for encamping. Head Quarters,
this night at Richmond. Arrived the Otter sloop
of War from West Indies with 9 sail of vessels under
Convoy.
July i", 1777. Tuesday — This evening Returned
a party of our Provincial Troops that had been de-
tached from King s Bridge and brought in a Captain,
one Subaltern, and 23 more Rebels. The Commander
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 427
in Chief and his suite arrived this afternoon at 2
o'clock at New York from Staaten Island.
2°**. The 17th Dragoons embarked at Staaten Isl-
and and arrived at New York, where they are to be
stationed between it and King s Bridge. The Com-
mander in Chief viewed the works at King's Bridge.
I set off this afternoon for Staaten Island and reached
it in the night. Orders to put that post near the
watering place in a state of defence. Six 6-pounders
(Iron) to be mounted in these works.
3"*. Working party 150 men began to make fas-
cines for making good the rear of the Redoubts at
Staaten Island and to add 2 small ones for 30 men
each to terminate the Flanks. I returned to New
York this Evening. All the Artillery and Stores ex-
cepting the Battery Guns of the 2nd Battalion and 2
of Light Infantry were embarked on board the Ar-
tillery Transports by nine o'clock this morning for
Staaten Island.
4*. All our field Artillery have each 300 Rounds &
5 or 6000 spare rounds.
5'\ Intense heat. Arrived 6 Sail of Merchantmen
under Convoy of the Liverpool in whom came Sir
Henry Clinton and his suite.
6*\ Arrived 1 1 Sail- victuallers from Cork, all armed.
8*. The Infantry of the Army embarked from
Staaten Island on board their transports for the Ex-
pedition excepting the Guards.
9*\ The British and Hessian Grenadiers embarked,
as also the i6th Light Dragoons, leaving for the de-
fence of Staaten Island the 52nd and 2 of Hessians
encamped in the rear of the Redoubt, round the
watering place and the Provincials on the West side
of the Island under the Command of Major-General
Skinner. In the redoubts 6 Iron 6 pounders and a
detachment of Artillery, each field piece taken with us
on the Expedition has with it 300 rounds.
14*. I accompanied General Clinton to the Nar-
rows and the works on Staaten Island. Signals
428 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
made from the Eagle for the whole fleet to prepare to
sail.
I5'\ Arrived 12 Sail-victuallers from Cork — all
armed. Came in an Express from Lt.-Gen'l Bur-
goyne with dispatches to Sir Wm. Howe, dated 2d
July from below Ticonderoga. This day sailed from
hence up the river the Vigilant armed Ship carrying
18 twenty-four pounders and 10 of Nine pounders.
16*. Arrived the Brilliant ordnance Store Ship with
200 artillery men & their officers. .
1 7**". Embarked from New York for the Chesapeak.
i past seven this afternoon the Commander in Chief
left New York and embarked on board His Majesty's
Ship the Eagle — Lord Howe — lying off the watering
place at Staaten Island. Sailed to Rhode Island Ma-
jor-General Pigot.
18'*'. The Vigilant returned from up the River and
joined the Fleet. Sailed the packet for England, con-
voyed by the Niger Ship of War in which went Gen-
eral de Heister and the Hessian Command devolved
on Lt.-Gen*l Kniphuysen. This morning Sir Wm.
Howe's letters to Lt-General Burgoyne, to Deputy
Quarter Master-General to be immediately forwarded.
Deserters came in, says Rebel Army are only 6000.
19***. Wind S. S. W. what little there is and no
possibility of sailing. In the afternoon the wind
sprung up at the same point and brought in the Tarter
and Apollo Frigates from Quebec. The Salsbury
Frigate from Jamaica and the Milford Frigate with her
convoy of 15 foreign vessels from the Bay of Fundy.
Came in one of the i6th Dragoons who was taken by
the Rebels at Princetown, says he left Washington
with the gros of his Army at Smith's Clove the
South Entrance of the Highlands on west side of the
North River.
20'\ Stmday — Wind at S. W. at \ past 11 A. M.
Our division sailed with the Ebb tide but the wind
foul. Came into the fleet the ** Sphynx " Ship of War
from Dominica. Our fleet said to be 260 sail. Pas-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 429
sage of the Narrows difficult in Turning it down,
most of the fleet arrived at anchor at Sandy Hook.
My vessel carried away her mainyard and Bowsprit,
&c., running foul of the Ships.
21*'. The "Eagle" Lord Howe, did not sail this
day and came to anchor South of the Narrows for
want of wind. Rain all this night and southerly
winds.*
22"**. Rainy morning and S. E. winds. Sphynx
returned down to the Fleet here. Weather close and
sultry. The heavy ships still remained off the Nar-
rows for want of wind, what little being foul. A few
more of the transports fell down with the tide to the
Fleet.
At Sea. July 23'**. At 7 o'clock this morning the
Eagle sailed and passed Sandy Hook and the rest of
the Fleet followed in two Divisions. Wind a fresh
breeze at N. N. West by 10 o'clock. The whole of
the Fleet got to sea, in the Afternoon the wind headed.
Light wind most part of this night. As soon as the
fleet made a good offing they shaped their course
South Westerly. Parted with the coast nearly but
before we were out of sight of the land.
24'\ We gained about 12 leagues in a straight
course during the night and at daylight discovered
the Jersey shore abreast of us about 6 leagues.
Latitude at this day 40 degrees. Sounded when we
could j'ust discover thie land Fathoms 15. Light winds
all night, waste in our course 7 leagues. Remark — I
have observed for many years both in Coming on this
part of the American Coast & in sailing along it, that
whenever the Soundings were in 1 5 Fathoms the land
in general was to be seen.
25*. Latitude at 12 this day 39.48. Light East-
♦ Forces on this Expedition — August, 1777.
Transports and Ships of War 266 Sail.
Troops — 16,000 artillery 1000 17,000 men.
Rounds of Ammunition to the guns 300
Provisions in each Transport for 3 months
430 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
erly winds, saw the Jersey Shore this afternoon, a
point of Land bore West, north west of us and ob-
served some higher lands and Kind of hummacks,
bore about W. S. W. supposed to be Great Egg Har-
bour.
26^. Light southerly winds all this morning. At
3 o'clock P. M. Came on a Gale of wind at South
with a high sea, close reefed topsails, a tumbling sea
all night. Overcast this day. Could take no latitude.
Engineers' schooner Alert carried away her Topmast.
Our people on Board remarkably well and healthy.
27***. Sunday — Wind N. West but extremely light.
A swell of the Sea all this morning, the fleet very
much scattered. Latitude 39° 17" as observed by 3
quadrants of Hadley — Sounded at 2 o'clock P. M. in
29 Fathoms water. Calm all the middle of the day.
Found in sounding a strong current setting to the west
— Remark — That the soundings continue regular off
this coast to 90 Fathoms.
28***. A very wet and thick fog from 2 o'clock this
morning. The whole day wind Easterly and very
squally with several continued showers of heavy rain.
Sounded this morning in 19 Fathoms. Weather too
thick for an observation. In the course of last night
until daylight this morning sailed 1 1 leagues. At . 3
o'clock P. M. the fleet went about to get off the land.
A horse Ship ran foul of us & damaged our Ship.
29'\ A fresh breeze at North West directly ahead,
as the whole Fleet went about at 2 this morning and
made in for the land. Latitude this day at 1 2 o'clock 38°
50", the weather cool and pleasant. Eight miles to
the South of Cape May — this day. Sounded at 12
o'clock in 19 Fathoms. Remark — I have throughout,
in the observations of the daily latitude diminished 3
minutes, being equal to the difference between this
and Greenwich in England, where the declinations
were calculated.
30*. Latitude at 1 2 o'clock 38° 39" Soundings at
the same time in 9^^ Fathoms, at which time the light-
. JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 43 1
liouse bore N. W. ^ north about 5^ leagues. At 3
this morning wind fresh at N. N. West and a swell, a
ship run foul of us and carried away our bowsprit and
liead and struck 7 or 8 times against our bows. Dis-
<:overed the Pennsylvania Shore at 7 to the South-
^ward Cape Henlopen, and this morning found we had
:iiiade too much southing and the wind hauling to the N.
'W. made it a head wind, so we tacked to and fro this
^svhole day. At 5 P. M. the wind came about more
iavorable at E. S. East. Soundings then on 8^ Fath-
oms in a hard sandy bottom. Sea pretty smooth.
Could discover Cape May only from the masthead.
The Fleet Continued this night off the mouth of the
River Delaware.
31". At 4 this morning wind S. W. to S. — light
breezes. The Light house on Cape Henlopen bore
W. N. Westerly 7 leagues, at which time Sounded in
9 Fathoms water. At 2 o'clock this morning the
whole fleet tacked about and steered out to sea about
a S. E. course after 12 o'clock wind headed, the Fleet
then kept away E. S. East, Latitude at noon in 38"^
44''. At ID this morning we lost sight of the land
from the deck of our Ship. The weather fine and the
sea smooth, the season cool which is very fortunate
for the Troops. At ^ past 3 o'clock P. M. the fleet
tacked and steered a W. S. West course. At Sunset
the fleet tacked again and steered E. S. East. Con-
tinued about this course the whole night with a tum-
bling sea and blowing fresh with close reefed topsails.
The Roebuck 40 Guns Ship stationed so long in the
Delaware joined our fleet. But one of the vessels
out of the 5 in the Engineers Department have hith-
erto escaped being damaged. Conjectured by the
course we steered to be for Chesapeak Bay.
August i", 1777. The weather fine, but the sea
continued agitated. About 10 this morning it began
to moderate. Latitude at 12 o'clock 38° 24'^ The
sea much abated. I gave orders to allowance our
fresh water on board on account of the visible waste.
432 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
At sunset tacked, wind S. Course W. ^. West. The
Breeze continued till 1 2 o'clock at night and then fell
calm. Observed 2 strange vessels in the Fleet, one
a tobacco vessel taken bound to France, the other
a Privateer which took one of our horse sloops
astern of our fleet off the Delaware, but both retaken
by the boats of one of our Ships of War.
2"**. Calm till 8 A. M. Sounded at 6 A. M. in 36
Fathoms. The Breeze springing up at S. W. tacked
about at 8 A. M. and steered S. S. East. Weather
fine. Latitude at noon in 38° 18". Remarks — that
the winds from the Southern to the Western Quar-
ter blow Jth of the Season from first June to the
last of August. At noon sailed through a strong cur-
rent The day rather damp though the sun shone.
The Contracted Company of Carpenters were near
mutinying but for a vigorous Exertion on my part and
stopping their Rum. Lightning most of the night
round the horizon. Amongst the rest oi our Misfor-
tunes in Ships running foul of us, one of them carried
away the Flukes of one of our Anchors.
y"^. Sunday. — At 5 A. M. wind sprung up at N.
by W. and the Fleet steered W. by N., at 9 A. M.
Sounded in 22 Fathoms^Latitude at noon (as yes-
terday) in 38° 18^' and a current. At 11 A. M. the
wind hauled, steered S. E. by East. At 20 minutes
after 1 2 the Fleet tacked and steered in for the coast
a western course. Fine weather but sultry. By the
dead reckoning at noon 14 leagues from land, at 6
could Smell the land tho* not in Sight. At ^ past 6
P. M. smart lightning and appearing very stormy to
the west. The Admiral made a signal for tacking
and the Fleet went about. New Moon. At 7 this
evening came on a violent storm at S. S. East scarcely
giving the Fleet time to take in their sails. A dark-
ness in the west and S. W. gave some Kind of no-
tice accompanied with sharp lightning. One ship laid
for some time on her beam ends without righting.
We Slipped our mizzen top sail without any other
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 433
damage of any consequenoe — the lightning and thun-
der surpassed discriptibn and the heaviness of the
rain. This tempest Continued violent for one Hour
and |. Could not discover any of the Fleet this
night but by means of the almost incessant lightning;
The wind blew the Broad Pennant to pieces. A sloop
likewise laid on her beam efids — 7 men and a wo-
man took to their boat, but kept her towed, but the
painter breaking eot adrift and was lost The Sloop
with four men on board, righted an hour after. At 1 2
o'clock this night hove too for one hour, at which
time Sounded in' 2^ J^athoms- of^ waten Incessant
lightning this whole night.; ; ^ •
4*. At one this morning tacked about from off the
coast — the Wind at S. S. W. At Break of day dis-
covered the Fleet to Leeward 4 leagues and bore
down to them before the Wind. The breeze very
light with a Small swell from the Southward. The
Fleet somewhat scattered. Weather fine and th6
a:ir cooler since the Storm. At 4 A. M. Sounded
in 23 Fathoms — very sultry^ — ^Latitude (at noon) 38"!
^5' 30". Sounded in 23 Fathoms. Early this'fhJQ^riP
ing could smell the fragrance off the land. Several
musquitoes blown on board by the storm. At nooti
it fell calm. Set our mizzen top sail. At 3 P. M. the
fleet put about. At 12 o'clock this night a helvy
gust of wind came on with rain Lightning and Thun^
der at which time the whole fleet tacked and stood
to the Ocean. The -wind during the squall continued
at South West^ — close reefed topsails but no courses.
S'^Weatiier fine ahd much cooler since the guSt
"of wihd/raSrf'artd lightning and thunder of last riight
At ^ past II 'A.-^M.- passed over a popHng current
At ^ past one the fleet went about and steered to the
Coast. At 4 this morning the fleet tacked steering
Si S. E. wind at S. West, and a tumbling sea. Lati-
tude (at noon) 38° 5' 30". Variation here is West
3 degrees ^Evan's map) at i o'clock P. M. the fleet
tacked to the Coast— at ^ past 6 P. M. Fleet tacked
28
434 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
from the Coast. About 7 P. M. heavy clouds and
lightning in the N. W. quarter. Just before 9 P. M
the gust came on with great violence of wind and
rain, lightning and thunder, which continued this whole
night. Laid too most part of the night without any sail.
Some crickets that were blown off made a noise in
the maintop. A flight of birds of passage passed over
us during die gale. Some of our people falling sick.
6*. Light winds at S. & S. W. water smooth and
but little of the Southern swell remaining. Observed
a school of flsh. Excessively sultry. Latitude (at
Noon) 38° i' Wind S. W. and almost calm. At 3 P.
M. Sounded in 26^^ Fathoms — during the time the
lead was on the ground (it being a calm) we found
our drift from the perpendicular to be at the rate of a
Knot by the current which set due North. The fleet
made no progress this day. All this day cloudy ex-
cepting a trifling Interval of observation. Supposed
to be at noon 15 leagues from C. Dead calm all this
night A written concession from Company and car-
penters and this day 1 ordered their usual allowance
of Rum«
7*. Calm till II o'clock A. M. Master of the
horse Sloop came on board to signifie the distress for
want of forage. Gave him a note to the Commissary
General Latitude (at noon) 38"" 8' 30". Very sul-
try and close, sea rather smooth. Remark — the los-
ing 7i miles is safely accounted for, by the observa-
tion of the current of yesterday. Every night lately
a threatening horizon at the S. W. At 5 P. M. the fleet
went about, we laid what we conjectured to be our
course. The wind E. by S. our course now S. by
East about 4 Knots. Continued this course all night.
At 5i P. M. the fleet discovered the land.
8*. Weather fine. Still steering the Same course,
the wind this day about S. W. course about S. S. E.
A Strong current setting to the Southwest at 6 & 7
A. M. At i past 1 1 a surprising strong .current set-
ting in Southerly. Latitude (at noon) 37"^ 49^ and
JOURNALS OF CAPT, JOHN MONTRESOR. 435
sounded in 34 Fathoms. The breeze steady and our
course South at noon. The fleet sailed this course all
this night two Knots and a half. This night exces-
sive heat
9*. Wind W. by S. — Course S. by W., a fresh
Breeze all the morning. At 7 A. M. observed a South
current with a small swell from the windward. Lati-
tude (at noon) ^y^ 7' Course South, somewhat wes-
terly, sailing about 3 Knots. The fleet very well to-
gether. At 7* P. M. the Fleet tacked and steered all
night from W. by N. to W. N. West Weather very
pleasant all this day, it being much cooler. Heavy
swell most of this night At 1 2 at night blew hard.
ID*, Sunday. Wind W. S. W. weather fine. About
6 A, M, the Fleet tacked and stood S., at 4 this
morning before we tacked until 6 the Fleet stood about
N. West. Latitude (at Noon) 36'' 52' being 8 miles
to the Southward of Cape Henry. Still steering South
and supposed to be about 25 leagues from the land.
TThe Horse Vessels in general lying too for Food from
the forage vessel they being much distressed. At 6^
P. M. the fleet tacked and steered W. N. W. the
Same S. Wester prevailing — The Fleet continued this
course all night at i Knot per hour.
11^ Wind still at S. W. Course W. N. W.
Weather fine but very hot, sailing about 2\ Knots —
observed a current setting Southerly. Latitude (at
Noon) ^7^ being the latitude of Cape Henry. No
soundings at 4 P. M. Sailed all night about a W. N.
W. course going about 3^ knots. The officers put to
great shifts for want of fresh provisions, rowing about
from ship to ship for relief. Our ship sprung a leak,
making four inches of water every fonr hours' watch.
Our fresh water on board became very offensive.
12* Wind as usual S. W. Course W. N. W. —
weather fine but a hazy horizon. Small Swell ; ob-
served a gentle current Could smell the land, the
fragrance of the pines in particular at 6\ this morning.
The Ships of war hoisted their Colours, supposed for
43^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
seeing the land. The water Changed very visibly.
A small flock of sand larks passed. Fleet scattered.
Sounded at ii o'clock A. M. in i8 Fathoms, supposed
to be 12 leagues from land. Latitude (at Noon) 37"^
31'. Gained 50 miles westing this last 24 hours to
12 o'clock this day. Weather somewhat cooler but
very hot yet. The heat of the Sun here feels more
like an artificial than a genial heat, and the heat of this
jiight Insupportable. The wind this night from S. W.
to W. S. West. Sailing one time with, another about
2 Knots & ^. At 3^ P. M. discovered the land from
the Mast head and at 7 the fleet tacked and stood off.
At five P. M. could observe the land from the deck.
13*. Wind W. S. West. Course S. observed at 7
A. M. a current running southerly. A disagreeable
swell from the Southward. Weather fine air some-
what cooler. The fleet at sea three weeks this morn-
ing. Latitude (at Noon) 27"^ 5' 30''. Sailing this last
12 hours at about i^ Knots. Signals at 12 o'clock
this day and the Fleet tacked and Continued their
course towards the land this night, sailing at about 3^
Knots at W. & W. by S. The intense heat and close-
ness horrid, obliged now to lay on deck.
14*. At 4i A. M., the fleet stood off" from the Land.
Wind W. S. W. and Staid South. Water smooth.
At 5i A. M. the land was again discovered, but from
the mast head appearing in 2 points, one bearing N.
W. by N. and the other W. by S., the interval not to
be observed. The heat of this day (if possible) more
insupportable than yesterday, the pitch melting off the
seams of the vessel. Observed a gentle current sup-
posed to be southerly. Latitude (at. noon) ^y^ 2 45''
wind lessened. Weather somewhat pleasanter, the
air being more refreshing after the dreadful heat of
last night. The mornings by far more agreeable than
the evenings and nights. At 9^ A. M. a heavy gun
was heard to windward supposed by the sound to be
from Norfolk in Virginia, as a signal gun, as the fleet
must have been discovered from the land, at 5 P. M.
JOURNALS OF CAPT, JOHN MONTRESOR. - 437
. ... . - ^ , ■ .
the 12 Inst. At ii A. M. the Fleet tacked and- stood
in for the land — Course W. by N. i North. Wind S.
W. by S. i South. At i P. M. it fell calm and sounded
in 14 Fathoms. No existing this afternoon between
decks, nor scarce any above. Several cannon were
fired from the distant shore during the afternoon and
at 6 P. M. a large Smoak made on the Shore, sup-
posed to be signals. Wind sprung up and we steered
S. W. by W. with our starboard tacks on board. Be-
gan to breeze fresh at 6^ P. M. water continuing
smooth. At 7 P. M. Could barely discover Cape
Charles from the deck, bearing W. by N. — 7 leagues,
both the Capes to be seen from the mast head. In-
stantly sounded and found to be exactly in 13 Fathoms
of water. Wind continued pretty fair and we pro-
ceeded towards the entrance of the bay until 1 1. This
night when the Fleet anchored in 8^ Fathoms sandy
bottom and tide of ebb, running about 4 Knots;
Another strange vessel in the Fleet which proved to
be a sloop with some Gentlemen from North Carolina
who had made their escape to prevent persecution.
1 5^. At half past 5 this morning, the Fleet weighed,
wind ahead. Both Capes to be seen from the decks.
Wind at W. by S — weather fine, but very hot, water
smooth. The Capes rather low land. The sea here
is coloured of a sap green, but not lively. Our course
to sea S. Easterly stretching out to get to windward up
a shoal on the North Side the Entrance of the Bay.
At 8i A. M. Fleet tacked again to get into Chesapeak
Bay. Latitude (at noon) ^y"^ 3^ Ebb made full calni
and the Fleet came to an anchor in 8^ Fathoms. At
i past one P. M. the wind sprung up at South and the
Fleet weighed and sailed. The heat of this day (al-
though on Board) very horrid. At 12 this night
came to an anchor in 4 Fathoms of water on the Bank,
the wind heading and the Ebb running about 4 Knots.
The bearings from our anchorage as follows — Cape
Charles North J East. Cape Henry S. West by
South.
43 8 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR,
1 6*. At 6 o'clock this morning the Fleet weighed.
Wind still unfavorable W. N. W. and 9^ A. M. the
Admiral came to an anchor, the tide of Ebb, running
strong. Weather very fine but very hot. At 10 A.
M. wind N. W. The Flood runs longest under Cape
Henry. The Fleet though very extensive may be
said now to be all within the Cape. Anchorage 9
Fathoms and very strong. Tide running between 3
or 4 Knots. This evening the packet from England
in JO weeks and last from New York, in 14 days
joined our Fleet This day we spared a Horse Sloop
in Quarter Master Gen'ls Department, one But of
Water or they must have thrown their horses over-
board. Delivered from the Schooner. Latitude (at
Noon) 36° 59' Cape Henry bore N. W. by W, Dis-
tance 2 leagues. Sounded then in 9 Fathoms water
on hard sand. At ij P. M. weighed N. N. E. and
sailed up the Bay of Chesapeak and anchored at half
past 6 in 6 Fathoms water on a muddy bottom. Wind
N. N. East a hard gale of wind came on as the night
did and blew until ^ past ii, when a tempest came
on, the whole continued with incessant sharp light-
ning and loud thunder and continued till 2 next morn-
ing with constant showers of rain. The timely get-
ting into Port and to an anchor was a most /ro-
vidential matter for the Army and Fleet. Intrenched
the Narrows in Chesapeak Bay nearly abreast of
Winter Harbour on the west side and Nassawatting
on the East, being about thirty miles to the North-
ward of Cape Henry.
Sunday 17*. Wind South, the first instance during
our voyage of a wind aft. Fleet weighed at 6 A. M.
with the tide of Flood, water very smooth wind rather
light — Sounded at f past 10 A. M. in 6^ Fathoms
water on a blue, greasy, gritty mud. Weather rather
hazy and foggy and intensely sultry. The fleet well
together. Tide runs here about 4 Knots. No wear-
ing coats or waistcoats with any satisfaction. This if
possible the hottest day. Latitude (at noon) 2^^^ 34',
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 439
this observation, horizon very hazy. At i past 12
fell calm and the tide expended, the Fleet came to an
anchor after gaining about 5 leagues, in 6 Fathoms
water and the same kind of ground, as the last anchor-
age. This situation opposite the Southernmost En-
trance of Piawkatank River. At night came on as
usual a very hard gale of wind with smart lightning
and Thunder, continued the whole night. The Ship
rolling heavily.
18*. Wind at N, W. by N. i past 5 A. M. The
tide of Flood, the Fleet weighed and sailed. Weather
very fine, but hot. Kept the western shore princi-
pally on board. At 8 A. M. our galley fired a shot
on shore, the enemy having fired three cannon shot
at her from Whicommico. Several Small vessels
seen there. Remark. The climate here at this sea-
son is from early in the morning until about 8 little
air, then light winds, at noon generally falls calm,
about one or 2 P. M. Breezes up and continues pretty
fresh but falls again at Sunset almost calm and about
dusk gathers in the Horizon with flashes of heat light-
ning and then comes on squally with sharper lightning
and thunder and then blows violently the greatest part
of the night and so on. Passed the mouth of the
Piawkatank at 6 and the Rappahannock at 8 A. M.
At 12 at Noon Sounded in 5 Fathoms hard sandy
bottom, and the Fleet put about towards the west
shore, the wind heading. Advices from New York
that the Fox Frigate had been taken by the rebel
Commodore Manly with 2 Rebel Frigates each supe-
rior in force but retaken by his Majesty's Ship Roe-
buck and another Frigate with the Commodore in
his ship but the other one called the Boston escaped.
This prize was carried into New York. The small
craft in this fleet in general are now much in want of
provisions. The Admiral made a signal for all mas-
ters of transports returning them his thanks for their
attention during the voyage. Latitude (at noon) ^y"^
56'. The Fleet came to an anchor off the embouchere
44® JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR*
of the River PotowmaGk at ^ past i P^ M. in lo Fath-
oms very muddy bottom, the tide of Ebb having made.
A very unsettled climate.
19* Wind E. N. E. at f past 7 A. M. The Fleet
weighed anchor the tide of Flood making. The fleet
and army much distressed for the want of fresh water,
having been for some time put to an allowance, but
not so much so as the horse vessels, having been
obliged to throw numbers of their horses overboard^
The weather good and much cooler, or rather less hot.
Very considerable signal smokes made and continued
most of this day by the Rebels on the Southernmost
end of Hooper's Island. • Sea very smooth. Very
heavy rain most of this day with thunder and lightning
and blowing excessive hard and the Fleet carried sai^
to it and came to an anchor in ten Fathoms water be-
tween the South end of Barren Island and the River
Patuxen — very muddy bottom. Water far from being
rough, notwithstanding the head wind. Land on the
west side of this Bay high and less on the East^
Those that form the Cliffs from Patuxen River to West
river are curious, the land all about very rough &
hilly.
20*\ Wind at West at \ past 5 this morning, The
fleet weighed, blowing very fresh, the tide of Ebb,
about 9 A. M. the flood made^ the tides here lessened
considerably in their strength. The fleet 28 days from
Sandy Hook. Weather cool and pleasant this morn-
ing, but by noon sultry and light breezes. Abreast of
the North End of James's Island, three miles in n
Fathoms and muddy bottom. Very unsteady weather
in this climate. The fleet well together after the Gale
of yesterday evening. Several horses thrown over-
board from the different Transports. The Admiral
fires morning and evening guns. Weather squally,
rained very hard most of the afternoon and lightning
and thunder. At 6 P. M. the Fleet came to an anchor
off of Poplar Island, the tide being spent, anchor in
8 Fathoms & a half very muddy. It's remarkable in
. JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 44I
this Bay the multitude of crabs that swim neaHy to
the surface of the* water. The Fleet caught thou-
sand's.
2 1*'. Fair wind, all the morning and a fine tide. At
5 o'clock the Fleet weighed, weather very clear and
water smooth. At 7 A. M. Came abreast of Anna-
polis, the Capital of Maryland and on the River
Severn. The rebels had 2 flags flying on 2 forts,
one on Horn's Point and one on Greenberry Point to
command the entrance of the Harbour, besides the
works at the Point of the Town. Several of our fleet
damaged during our voyage by Lightning, some men
Killed and several Horses.
22"**. Weighed anchor at 4 this morning. Course
Northerly. Anchored at ^ past 6 A. M. Weighed
anchor again at 2 P. M. with a pretty Breeze South-
erly, course northerly, tho' against a strong tide, but
the wind freshened and Continued until 7 this evening
when we came to an anchor. Tides run here about 3
Knots and rise near 5 feet. None came off to the
Fleet except 2 Pilots and a few blacks. Water suflS-
ciently fresh for all uses. Anchored at Sassafras River
between the mouth of and the Elk in 3 Fathoms, bot-
tom very holding, being a mixture of mud and clay
and 4 miles South of the mouth of the River Elk.
Hard Rain this evening with lightning and thunder.
The Inhabitants mostly about their Plantations and iii
general unarmed. Several of our people in the Fleet
on shore, some at Newtown on Chester River.
23'**. At 7 this morning I attended Sir Wm. Howe
and Lord Howe with my armed Schooner, an armed
Sloop and a Galley to the mouths of the Rivers Rappa-
hannock and the Elk and Turkey Point, the different
vessels and Boats attending, sounding the Channel.
The whole returned in the afternoon to the fleet
George Ford, principal tenant of Pasoosy Island came
off" to offer his Services to supply the Troops and
Fleet with Stock &c. — after which the militia. A hard
squall with very heavy rain and sharp lightning and
442 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
thunder which continued from 8 till 1 2 this night and
the whole night distressingly hot hnd close.
Sunday 25*. This day August 25* 1777 landed at
head of Elk. This morning at \ past 9 the Van of
the Fleet, came to an anchor opposite Cecil Court
house and Elk Ferry and in half an hour after the
Flat Bottomed Boats made good their landing at the
Ferry House called Elk Ferry in the Province of Mary-
land, the rebels consisting only of 4 Companies militia
under a Colonel Rumsey fled without firing a shoL
The troops hutted with Rails and Indian Corn Stocks,
no Baggage or Camp Equipage admitted. Came on
about 10 this night a heavy storm of Rain, Lightning
and Thunder. The wind being Southerly brought up
the Fleet a short time after the landing. The Army
Surprisingly healthy after so long a voyage and in
such a climate — the return of the sick are about Four
to each Battalion, very little fresh stock collected, and
imperfect accounts of the situation of the Enemy. In-
habitants in numbers and well dressed at Cecil Court
House Point Troops landed with sixty Rounds per
man.
26*. No motion — no inhabitants having deserted
their houses and drove off their stock. Orders this
evening for the Troops to march to-morrow morning
at 3 o'clock. A very heavy storm all this night of
Thunder lightning and Rain at North East The
Shoalness of the Elk convinced the Rebels that our
fleet would never navigate it, but through the great
abilities of our Naval officers it was happily effected
as the bottom was muddy and the ships on it were
cutting channels through it for each other.
27'\ The storm continuing: most of the mornincf the
order for marching was countermanded. The roads
heavy and the horses mere Carrion the soldiery not
sufficiently refreshed and great part of their ammuni-
tion damaged, made it upon the whole no delay. Our
Galley up the Elk fired at a boat that had taken one
of ours. No Inhabitants as yet came in. A man of
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 443
wars boat and midshipmen taken by the rebels, the
men being on East snore for milk &c. The Galley
fired but could not recover them. This night cold.
The Guards only had Sixteen thousand Cartridges
damaged by the storm.
28*. The Army moved between 3 and 4 this morn-
ing. The weather extremely fine which dried the
roads, which would have been otherwise impassible,
the medium 12 Pounders proved to be most difficult
to pass through the Sloughs. Two houses got on
Fire after quitting the Quarters but appeared to me to
have been done on purpose. About 9 o'clock this
morning our Army arrived at the Town of Elk con-
sisting of about 40 well built brick and stone houses,
our march hither about 7^ miles. Very few shots ex-
changed this day with the Enemy. One thousand
men under a Colonel Paterson and the Philadelphia
Light Horse fled from this Town on our approach,
part to Gray's hill 2^ miles beyond the Town, which
the rebels likewise quitted, as we reached the summit
we could observe them but not within Cannon shot.
Several of our men very irregular in pursuit of fresh
provisions, so as to fall in the Enemy's hands. The
rebels broke up the bridge at the End of the Town
which we soon repaired, in the mean time great part
of the Army forded the Creek in about 3 feet water on
a gravelly bottom. We took three or four prisoners.
Part of the small craft with provisions, camp equipage,
baggage and Stores reached the head of Elk this
evening from the Fleet at Elk Ferry. Very heavy
dews fell after sunset The Roads upon the whole
this day may be said to be good. 23 of our Troops,
3 of which Hessians missing, supposed to be taken
by the Enemy plundering. The rebels were so pre-
cipitate this day as to leave some of their Store houses
full, consisting of molasses, Indian Corn, Tobacco,
Pitch, Tar and some Cordage and Flour. The Cattle
was drove off excepting a few. Found fifteen of the
rebel sloops and Schooners at Elk.
/144 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
29* Weather delightful and cool especially the
mornings and evenings which are now rather cold.
The Chasseurs pushed a body of the rebel Infantry at
daylight this morning. Several of the Small craft
arrived at the Lower landing with provisions &c.
This country abounding in Forage, Pasture and vege-
tables, but the Inhabitants flown. Large quantities of
apples green and Indian Corn which are in modera-
tion great refreshments to the Soldiery. This night
Lt.-Gen. Kniphuysen with the Troops left at Elk
Ferry, crossed the Elk and encamped at Cecil Court
house. 1 3 of our men deserted from us, or taken by
the Enemy when marauding. A man came in from
Philadelphia, that passed through the Rebel country
who assured us that they are posted at Brandywine
with a considerable body at White Clay Creek. About
four hundred men advanced to Iron hill about five and
a half miles from hence.
30*. Weather very pleasant — the wind as usual
from W. to South. Welch fusileers fired a few Pla-
toons into a body of rebels cavalry of about 200. The
Jagers who are forward fired two Cannon shot at
some officers with their escort, reconnoitering. The
Army remarkably healthy but the navy sickly. This
morning early Major-General Gray with 2 Brigades
marched from hence to join General Kniphuysen by
the way of Elk Ferry. The Inhabitants say that this
has been as hot a summer as they have known.
Sunday 31*'. Lt.-Gen'l Kniphuysen marched east-
erly on the heck into the Country, together with Gen-
eris Gray, Agnew, and Sir William Erskine in order
to secure Cattle, waggons and Horses, &c., the army
lying in gceat want of horses, owing to so long and
unexpected a voyage hither both as to their flesh
and their numbers. Weather very fine but intensely
hot in the middle of the day, mornings and evenings
rather cool. A Skirmish this morning — a body of
rebels having appeared which the 23d Regt attacked
and pushed, taking 3 prisoners — they having one
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR, 445
Killed and 5 wounded Two deserters came in from
the Rebel Army. The Command with General Knip-
huysen taken 261 head homed Cattle and 568 sheep
and 100 horses. Picket of 5th Regt took 36 head
Horned Cattle. A light horse deserter Came in.
Lost 5 more Royal Artillery's.
September i". At daybreak this morning an out-
post of the rebels was attacked by 200 Rangers of
Wemys's Corps, they took the Commanding officer a
Saxon Baron, one lonitz and his Lieutenant and 3
prisoners — Killed 2 and wounded 1 — the rest consist-
mg of 100 fled — this was effected without any accident
on our side. The middle of this day intensely hot,
more so than usual. Rain all this night but gentle.
Two Rebel Light Horse deserted to us but being too
precipitate — two of our Rangers fired and both shot
the same horse,
2°**. Morning wet and overcast and chilly. Two
days fresh provisions issued to the Army for the first
time. Came in, i rebel Light Horse and 2 deserters.
All this Country abounds with Forage. The Inhabi-
tants either fled or drove off" and scarce any Cattle
to be seen. To this evening from the time of our
arrival at this Town the return of Sick from this
Army is no less than Five hundred men.
3'**. Weather fine but cool early. At daybreak the
whole under march except 2 Brigades with Major-
GenL Grant took the lower road to Christeen by the
way of Rikin's Tavern, in order to avoid Iron Hill.
At this Tavern we were to be joined by the Troops
under General Kniphuysen but did not perceive them.
About a mile beyond the Country is close — the woods
within shot of the road, frequently in front and flank
and in projecting points towards the Road, here the
Rebels began to attack us, about 9 o'clock with a Con-
tinued smart irregular fire for near two miles. The
body of the Rebels consisted of 1 20 men from 6 bri-
gades making 720 men of what they call their regu-
lars, together with looo militia and Philadelphia Light
446 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR,
Horse, but the 720 men when what were principally
engaged they were opposed by the Chasseurs and i
Battalion of Light Infantry only the other Battalion of
Light Infantry which was sent to surround the rebels
through some mistake was led so far on our Right as
to find an impassable swamp between them and the
Army, which prevented this little spirited affair becom-
ing so decisive. The rebels left about 20 dead
among which was a Captain of Lord Sterling s Reg L
We had 3 men killed and 20 wounded, amongst which
was Lieut. Haldane Engineer and three more officers.
The Rebel Deserters since Come in, say they lost 5
Captains. This body of the enemy was. commanded
by General Maxwell. From the Iron Hill the waters
of the Chesapeak and Delaware are seen. At 2 the
whole encamped. Head Quarters Aikin's Tavern.
Lord Cornwallis's to Cooche's Mill on the little Chris-
teen where the rebels had a post this morning which
we drove them from. The Guards on Iron Hill, Dun-
op, the Hessian Grenadiers, together with the British
and all the Light Troops on the opposite side of the
creek about i mile. The middle of this day exces-
sive hot. Accounts just after this skirmishing was
over that Lieut.-Genl. Kniphuysen's body was arrived
at Aikin's Tavern. This spot is the Welsh tract we
called Penn-Cadder. Lieut.-Genl. Kniphuysen's en-
campment forms a kind of 2nd line to us. Two or 3
shots exchanged in the night Total of Cattle taken
and now brought in by Lt.-Genl. Kniphuysen amounts
to 500 Head of Horned Cattle — 1000 Sheep and 100
horses but not above forty of these Horses fit for
Draught.
4^**. The mornings now may be said to be cold in
so much that fires are both agreeable and necessary —
the weather charming. The Engineer's wound was
such as to be obliged this morning to be sent on board
the Hospital ship in the Fleet with the rest of the
wounded by an escort of the rangers to Elk Town.
Two deserters Came in. Pioneers employed in bury-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 447
ing the Rebels, more being found in the woods. Two
of them Captains Dallas and Gumming lay just beyond
the Bridge at Cooch's Mill. The rebels in general
retreated yesterday to Christian and. White Clay
Creek. Tne great want of Horses prevents our mov-
ing this day. People thats Come in say the Rebels
lost yesterday 12 officers. Waggons went this even-
ing to head of Elk for Provisions and to carry back
the m6n's tents and officers and Spare baggage for
want of Carriages. Inhabitants drove in by the op-
pression of the rebels. People from our Camp daily
on the decauvert. Soil here not Extraordinary. A
few hopping shot in the night Our pickets wounded
one of our dragoons and killed a horse supplying these
rebels. Evenings & nights dew very heavy.
5*. Weather charming, mornings cold. Sir Wm.
Erskine and ist Battalion Light Infantry gone for-
ward to reconnoitre. A man came in who slept in
the rebel Camp at Chad's Ford on the Brandywine
last night, where he left Major-Genl. Sullivan and
2000 men and 3 field pieces. Three fugitives came
in from Bohemia, say that Genl. Mifflin and Cad-
wallader with what militia they have and can collect
at Chester with an intention to harrass our Rear.
Three Rebels Light Horse deserted to us-^-all Irish-
men— some with the clothing of our 8th Regt. on —
taken from us by their Privateers and each covered
with a rifle shirt. This country subject to small in-
termittent fevers. Dispatches by the Phoenix Ship
of war arrived in this Camp this night. Upon the Poll
being taken of the Inhabitants that remain in Phila-
delphia and within its Isthmus as follows :
In the City 23,000 Suburbs 2000 Liberties 10,000
together 35,000 Souls.
6***. Overcast with a gentle rain — weather close. A
rifle man deserted to us. This evening excessive hot
Arrived that body of the Army left at Elkton under
448 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the Command of Major-General Grant. We learn
that General Sullivan with One thousand men, but
no Cannon, were at Newark.
Sufiday 7*. Weather very sultry, came in two de-
serters on Lt Horse & i Highlander.
8*. The whole moved 2 hours before daylight — a
remarkable borealis. An amazing strong ground —
marched this day about 1 2 miles to Head Quarters —
a very strong country — but 3 or 4 Shots fired during
the march. A great deal of rebel cattle collected.
At J past 9 three alarm guns were fired from the rebel
camp, conjectured to be at Newport, one minute be-
tween each gun. A rebel Colonel, Baggage and Ser-
vant taken in Waggon and 4 horses. At \ past 7 this
morning marching through Newark the weather was
very cold indeed. Encamped this day at i o'clock at
Nibblas's house which is from A^ikin's Tavern to
Cooch's Mill round Iron Hill by way of Newark and
so into the road from Newport to Lancaster in the
way to New Garden. Heard the rebel morning e^n.
Took a waggon & 4 horses with 1 2 barrels of Flour
going to the enemy. 16 Inhabitants Came in. Three
Cannon shot by us at rebel officers reconnoitering after
we had Come to our Ground. Some firing this even-
ing at the rebels.
9*. At 2 o'clock P. M. Lt.-General Kniphuysen
with the 3rd division and 2 more British Brigades
marched for Kennett's square via New Garden and
arrived at his ground at 11. At sunset this evening
the 2 other divisions of this Army under Lord Corn-
wallis and Major-General Grant marched from Head
Quarters at Nichols's House Mill Creek Hundred by
a bye road to Hokesson Meeting house — Quaker
meeting 4 miles distance and encamped. The roads
bad for both Routs of the Army & under many halts.
At \ past 5 this afternoon the Commander in Chief
received accounts of the rebel army having evacuated
Newport and Wilmington and taken post at Chad's
ford on the Brandy wine Creek.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 449
10*. At 6 this morning the Army moved and arrived
at noon at Kennet's Square in Chester County in
Pennsylvania — the middle very hot — our march this
day about 6 miles through an amazingly strong coun-
try, being a succession of large hills, rather sudden
with narrow vales, in short an entire defile. This
days march and not a shot fired. Encamped on very
strong ground where we joined Lt-General Knip-
huysen's division. Cattle and horses collected. Ac-
counts that the Rebels had moved heavy Artillery to
the Turks Head by intelligence at 5 this evening.
Rebel Light Horse about but fled. Almost all the
Inhabitants found at their houses.
II*. At daybreak this morning the Commander in
Chief with their body of the Army marched, consist-
ing in this column, about 7000 men, composed of the
Chasseurs mounted and dismounted, ist and 2nd
Battalions Light Infantry — ist and 2nd Battalions
Grenadiers — the Guards — 2 Squadrons Queen's Light
Dragoons — dismounted ditto and 4th Brigades of In-
fantry. A thick fog contributed greatly to favour our
march. Passed the forks of the Brandywine Creek at
Trumbull's Ford and at Jeffries' Ford and arrived upon
an open clear height at i past 2 and halted and re-
freshed ourselves for an hour, during which time ob-
served the Gros of the rebel army forming upon an
opposite height, one mile and ^ from us and 2I miles
from Chad's Ford on the Brandywine. This position
of the Enemy was remarkably strong, having a large
body advanced, small bodies still further advanced and
their Rear covered by a wood wherein their main body
was posted with a natural glacis for f of a mile. How-
ever advantageous the rebels were situated and not-
withstanding our army had marched — miles, both
sultry and dusty and rather fatigued, many remaining
along the road on that account, nevertheless at ^ past
3 the whole moved towards the Enemy in 3 columns
viz : —
29
450 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
and the 3rd Brigade as a reserve —
4th Brigade || Hessian Grenadiers || Light Dragoons ||
Some skirmishing begun in the valley in which
the enemy was drove, upon gaining something further
of the ascent the enemy began to amuse us with
2 guns, the ground on the left being the most dif-
ficult the rebels disputed it with the Light Infantry
with great spirit, particularly their officers, this spot
was a ploughed hill and they covered by its summit
and flanked by a wood ; however unfavourable the
circumstances their ardour was such that they pushed
in upon them under a very heavy fire. The British
Grenadiers and Guards at the same time labouring
under a smart and incessant fire from the Rebels out of
a wood and above them, most nobly charged them
without firing a shot and drove them before them, they
covering their retreat with their Light Troops from
one patch of woodland to another firing upon us, as we
advanced into the cleared intervals until our Cannon
surmounted the summits from one to another which
effectually drove them beyond its Posts. We then
pursued them through Dilworth Town and drove them
for one mile & a ^ beyond it, to the skirt of a
wood, where they had collected and from whence they
poured on us particularly on the Guards and 4th
Brigade, the heaviest fire (for the time) during the
action. As soon as Lt-General Kniphuysen, who had
the Gros of our army with him, heard the action be-
gun, he instantly began his attack and drove the
enemy over the Brandywine, across Chad's Ford and
pushed them over it until he met with the left wing of
the rebel army which likewise fled after an obstinate
resistance and then encamped on the field of battle
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 45 1
being about 3 miles from Head Quarters — the 2 col-
umns making a junction. Our army marched this day
no less than 17 miles after which they gained a Com-
plete victory over the rebels in this general action.
Rebel orderly Books found to the 7th Instant inclusive,
wherein Washington expected our attacking him at
Wilmington and his Order respecting it particularly,
this now was their time for their utmost exertions as
their liberties and the fate of America depended upon
one general action. Rebel returns found that their regu-
lar, Continental or standing army, consisted yesterday
of 1 2,900 men, exclusive of their militia and 2 Regiments
Light Horse then present and fit for duty. This re-
turn by some supposed to be false. Ordnance taken
viz., ten pieces of Cannon and one Howitzer. Killed
of Rebel Army of Officers, non-commissioned and
privates 450 and prisoners of the same 400.
September 1 2*. At 2 o'clock this afternoon Major-
Genl. Grant with the ist and 2nd Brigade marched
from Chad's Ford towards Concord. The patroles from
each Corps in scouring the woods near them picked up
Waggons, Horses, Ammunition, Provisions and cattle
and several Rebels that had secreted themselves.
13*. Lord Cornwallis with the 2nd Battalion Light
Infantry and 2 of Grenadiers marched at \ past 6
in the morning to join the body under Major-Genl.
Grant and to move on towards Chester. A hard
North West wind and cold. Neighboring Inhabitants
Coming in for Protection. At 5 o'clock this after-
noon the troops with Lord Cornwallis reached Ashton
within 4 miles of Chester. The peasants about em-
ployed in burying the dead Rebels without our Gen-
tries, who have now become very offensive. This
day the 71st Regt. took possession of Wilmington,
the rebels having left 7 pieces of Cannon unspiked and
also 2 Brass field pieces taken from the Hessians at
Trenton. Wind still to the Northward and cold.
Sunday 14*. A detachment at 6 this morning es-
corted our wounded men to Wilmington by the same
452 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
opportunity. An Engineer and Company & Carpen-
ters went in order to fit up the Hospitals, &c., and this
evening the noted Dr. Rush, a rebel Doctor and Dele-
gate with 3 Surgeons to attend the wounded Rebels
left scattered in the Houses about the field of Battle
unattended by their Surgeons till now. Wind north-
erly and chilly. The Courier returned with a receipt
of the delivery of a letter from the General to Lord
Howe, delivered near the head of Elk to the Corn-
wallis, an armed vessel. Thirteen rebel prisoners and
deserters sent into this camp by Lord Cornwallis.
Dry weather & very favourable for the wounded.
Persons during the Campaign constantly employed
under the Chief Engineer in surveying the roads the
Army marches and their Encampments, &c., and fields
of battle.
15*. Wind N. E. and raw. Lord Cornwallis who
is advanced, sent several waggon loads of flour to this
army. Came in two more Rebel Surgeons to dress
their wounded and two more on the road, coming in.
Arrived 2 light Horse deserted from the rebel army at
Philadelphia, also deserted to us one Willis a Rebel
Captain of Grenadiers. A heavy cannon fire heard in
the Delaware most of this morning. Prisoners taken,
found in the woods, that could not escape. The rebel
wounded sent off to the Turk's Head Tavern 5 miles
from Dilworth, Except Doctor Delegate Rush. The
Commander in Chief went with his escort only of Dra-
goons to Lord Cornwallis' Post f of a mile west of
Chester. At 4 o'clock P. M. learnt that the rebel
army which had crossed the Schuylkill at Philadelphia
had repassed it to this side of Levering s Ford and
were pursuing the road to Lancaster. This night at
8, the body with Lord Cornwallis moved from near
Chester towards the Lancaster road. This day — two
men were executed, one Grenadier, and one light In-
fantry.
16^. At half past ( ) this morning the army marched
towards Lancaster by the way 01 the Turk's head.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 453
Goshen meeting and the sign of the Boot on the Down
ing Town road. At 1 1 o'clock we made a junction
with Lord Cornwallis's Column, which immediately
marched to the White Horse on Lancaster road and
this column with Lt-Genl. Kniphuysen Continued to
the sign of the Boot (being Commander in Chief's
Head Quarters) when they encamped owing to an
Equinoxial gale at N. E. accompanied with incessant
heavy rains. We fired a few shot at their Patrols of
Light Horse. About 2 this afternoon we were at-
tacked on our right Flank by a body of the Rebel
army under General Wayne together with a large
body of militia previous to which we heard several
cannon and small arms fired in Lord Cornwallis's col-
umn. We soon drove them. The Yagers behaved
admirably. The Enemy left 9 dead on the Field and
a Captain wounded with a 3 pounder and since dead
and we took 13 Prisoners. Our loss was only 3
wounded — with Lord Cornwallis's column the Rebel
left 1 2 dead and 30 prisoners amongst which a Colo-
nel and a Brigade Major. The rebels on the firing
decamped and in all the rain it marched to Hasel's
Ferry. This Head Quarters is at the sign of the Boot
in the Township of Goshen and within ^ mile of the
Township of W. Whiteland. The Boot is within 5
miles of Downing Town.
1 7*. The rain and wind continued at N. E. but not
so incessant, the roads became very heavy, and the
lowlands overflowed. There being but few houses
and barns our troops suffered much from the weather.
Several people returned from the rebels with various
accounts, but in general agree that Washington with
the gros of the Rebel army is now on the Lancaster
Road between the White Horse and Downing Town,
a homely Tavern on the road to Swedesford with 13
others, say ^7 pieces of Cannon. Excellent intelli-
gence from the rebel camp. The Commander-in-Chief
received a letter this evening from our Ships of war,
and three victuallers, one at anchor in the Delaware
454 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
off Chester. Rebel Camp moved from Howell's ferry
in order to proceed to the Swedesford but their Ex*
press returned, not passable. So they returned and
took their strong ground from the White Horse to
Malins.
1 8*. Between 3 and 4 this morning (the Equinoxial
Gale still continuing at N. East, with small rain) the
Army marched from the Boot 3 miles to the White
Horse, where we joined Lord Cornwallis's column,
halted an hour, and the whole army moved on towards
Philadelphia, until we arrived at Randel Malins, being
2^ miles further. There we struck off (the roads
forking) the road to the Swedes Ford to Treduffrin,
one mile beyond Howell's Tavern, being 4^ to that
Tavern and encamped one mile further, making 5^
miles more, in all this day. Eleven miles. Lord Corn-
wallis's column continuing the Philadelphia Main Road
from the Forks at Randel Malins (which was Wash-
ington's Headquarters the night before last) which
road runs nearly parallel with the Swedes Ford Road,
running only one Mile from this Camp, where his* Lord-
ship formed a j'unction and encamped. Several shot
fired during the course of this day and some prisoners
taken from the rebels. Some deserters and a Light
Horse. The Army passed over the rebels late en-
campment where they had a most favourable position
being a prevailing gradual height in the valley. This
night, our out Centries took a Virginia Lt. Colonel,
who mistook this Camp for the rebel one. Observed
2 reconnoitring parties of the Army at a distance dur-
ing the march. Near the ^ of my artificers, labour-
ers and waggoners as well as the Engineers are fallen
sick with the prevailing distemper of the Fever and
Ague. We found the Inhabitants in general at their
Homes. Several small hills in getting to this En-
campment, which made the rear long and Baggage
late. The rebel dragoons took a servant and a driver
at an Inhabitant's house in the rear. A man sent
out discovered upwards of 3800 Barrels of Flour, Soap
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 455
and Candles, 25 Barrels of Horse Shoes, several
thousand tomahawks and kettles, and Intrenching
Tools and 20 Hogsheads of Resin in a Barn, 3 miles
from hence at the Valley Forge. A detachment of
3 Companies Light Infantry went this night to possess
it, the Commanding Officer of the Light Infantry had
his horse shot.
19*. Wind N. W. very fine weather, which comes
very seasonably to refresh the troops and dry the
roads which are very sloughy about this place. The
halting this day very necessary for the men and par-
ticularly for our horses. A Dragoon deserter came
in." Abundance of Forage upon every plantation.
The Commander-in-Chief's dispatches sent this day to
Lt. Genl. Burgoyne. At 2 this afternoon Lord Corn-
wallis's column marched and encamped within 2 miles
of French Creek at the Bull's Head and Mouth, all
upon the neighboring Height. This morning between
2 & 3 the Rebel congress precipitately abandoned
Philadelphia, owing to a false alarm and proceeded
to Reading. As many men have lately fallen sick,
empty waggons are ordered to each of the Corps.
Lt. Col. Harcourt with a party of dragoons and Light
Infantry made an excursion on the Philadelphia road
and brought in 1 50 horses which were much wanted,
got from New Town square 6 miles from hence. They
took likewise one Captain and 8 rebel prisoners.
Heavy dews. Couriers constantly going towards and
returning from the Enemy's Camp.
20*. Weather extremely fine. At 2 this morning
the guards moved and posted themselves with the
Light Infantry at the Valley Forge. Waggons em-
ployed in carrying off from the magazine there, the
rebel stores. This morning 5 rebel centries fired on
the Guards who took the whole. They slightly
wounded one of our officers. This night Major Genl.
Gray was detached with the 2nd Battalion of Light
Infantry, 42d and 44th Regis, and Sergeant and 12 of
1 6th dragoons to surprise 2 Brigades of near 2000
456 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
men under the command of General Wayne. Be-
tween ID and 12 they fell in on the Rebel picket, be-
tween the Admiral Warren and the Paoli, which fired
on them ; they rushed in and put the whole of the
picket to the Bayonet and then huzza'd which further
alarmed the main body, however our troops rapidly
advanced on their left, which were chiefly in their wig-
wams, and put between 4 or 500 of them to the Bayo-
net and the rest fled except about 100 that were taken
prisoners, amongst which was a Major and a French
officer and also 9 loaded waggons with 4 horses each,
and brought off their cattle. Their General escaped
and 4 pieces of Cannon through the woods. Our loss
was a Captain of Light Infantry, one Sergeant, and
one Private killed, and 2 dragoons and 2 Light In-
fantry, and 3 Battalion men wounded. This capital
service, was effected without our firing a shot
21** Sunday. At 5 this morning the Army moved,
marched 3 miles to the Valley Forge and 2 more to
Moor Hall making 5 miles and there encamped, the
weather very fine, but some few slight showers. No
firing during this march. We found the houses full
of military stores. This country abounds with Forage,
but the cattle drove off*. Fevers and agues still pre-
vail. A bridge was ordered to be made across the
Schuylkill at this place where the River is 1 20 yards,
and got in great forwardness, intending to deceive
the enemy. Almost every day, one or two deserters
come in.
22"**. Near 2 hours before daybreak, the enemy be-
gan to make some movement to their right. At 7
Sir Wm. Erskine with the mounted and dismounted
Chasseurs, one Squadron of i6th Dragoons and part
of the 2nd Light Infantry patrolled up the Pottsgrove
Road which leads to Reading. Weather fine, rather
cold wind, frost at North West, sun crosses the line.
This countrj' abounds with forage. Inhabitants, many
about Moorehall fled, being disaffected. At 5 this
morning the Hessian Grenadiers passed the Schuyl-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 457
kill at Gordon's Ford under fire of their artillery' and
small arms, and returned back being intended as a
feint. At the same time the Light Infantry and Grena-
diers passed over the Schuylkill at Fat Land Ford
without a single shot and there took post.
23"*. Just after 12 o'clock this night the whole army
moved to the opposite side, on North Side of the
River Schuylkill by the way of the Fatland Ford, and
by ID A. M. the whole Baggage and all had happily
passed it. After the principal body had got on the
North Side of the Schuylkill about i mile the Army
halted to dry themselves and rest. At 7 A. M. they
moved forward the Egypt road and continued to Nor-
rington where Head Quarters was fixed and the whole
of the Army came to their Ground by 3 o'clock P. M.
Major General covered the rear with 10* Bat-
talions and the Chasseurs. The Front of the Army
extending within ^ mile of Swedes Ford on one
Philadelphia Road and 2i miles on the other one
called the Manitawney road. During this day only a
few scattering shot. We took 4 rebels Light Horse,
some prisoners, waggons and 3 loads of Ammunition
and some stores of Liquors. Oijr couriers affirm that
the Rebel army principally retreated to Reading. On
leaving the ground of our last Encampment we set
fire to the Valley Forge and destroyed it. The Enemy
abandoned the Swedes Ford and left two 18 Pounders
on the works then loaded but not spiked. An Excellent
day for marching, cool and pleasant. About 9 this
night our pickets in the rear fired a few shot at some
skulking rebels.
24*. Weather delightful. Four or 5 shot exchang-
ed between our foraging parties and the rebels about
9 this morning. Early this morning our pickets in the
rear fired at some straggling rebels. This Township
of Norrington is very rebellious. All the manufac-
tures about this country seem to consist of Powder,
Ball, Shot and Cannon, firearms, and swords. The
Army halted this day.
45^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
25*^. Wind fresh atN. N. East. The whole marched
in 2 columns and arrived at Germantown, being
Eleven miles, marched through a great deal of wood
land and some stony ground. All the afternoon and
night heavy rain and hard wind. Towards the Town
by the Frankford road. Our Light Horse took a
Colonel, a principal Commissary, a captain of a
Frigate, and a Captain of Light Horse, and 2 or 3 of
his men.
26*. At half past Eight this morning Lord Com-
wallis with the two Battalions of British Grenadiers
and Hessian Grenadiers, two Squadrons of sixteenth
dragoons and artillery with the Chief-Engineer, Com-
manding officer of Artillery, Quartermaster and Ad-
jutant-General marched and took possession of the
city of
PHILADELPHIA
at 10 the same morning amidst the acclamation of
some thousands of the inhabitants mostly women and
children. After the necessary guards were fixed, the
Troops were posted as follows, the Hessian Grena-
diers to the North of the city, the East Battalion
British Grenadiers at the Bettering House, &c., front-
ing out from the centre of the city, and the ist Bat-
talion British Grenadiers at the Shipyard, to the South
of the City, forming a semi-circle, and covering the
whole. At the same the Engineers with working
parties constructed 2 Batteries and marked out a 3d
along the waters edge with 6 medium 12 Pounders
and 4 Royal Howitzers to prevent the Enemy's fleet
repairing up the River or annoying the city. Took a
Lieut, of the rebel Gallies prisoner. Fine weather.
Wind at N. and fresh. This day a large party of the
Enemy unperceived attacked the Queen's Rangers,
shot the sentry and another, but were repulsed with
great alertness, one of their Lieutenants we found
dead on the field. This day myself and servant near
being taken at Gloucester Point by the enemy's galley
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 459
Stationed there whilst I was reconnoitering. A mes-
senger sent yesterday to acquaint our Fleet at Chester
that we were in possession of Philadelphia.
27* At i past 8, wind at the West. Two of the
Rebel Frigates and 5 row Gallies came up with the
Tide with orders to lay as close to the City as pos-
sible, and cannonade it in order to drive the King s
Troops out. Fortunately the 2 lower Batteries were
just completed as they approached us within cannon
shot, when we opened upon them and the artillery be-
ing extremely well directed their best Frigate the
Delaware which got somewhat aground, stuck to us
and one of the Gallies having her foremast carried
away run ashore at New Jersey directly opposite to
our Batteries. The other Frigate and 4 Gallies in
¥-eat haste put about and went back to the Fort,
his Frigate has 24 Twelve pounders, and 6 Nine
pounders with 150 men. She had but one man killed
and six wounded. She was 2 or 3 times on fire owing
to one of our shot having drove through her caboose,
it not being easily extinguished was also owing to one
of our Royal Howitzers having burst within her near
the bows. Captain Moncrief and the carpenters
principally on board the Frigate to extinguish the
Fire by cutting away parts of her side. Learnt by
deserters from the Rebel Fleet that the Galley drove
ashore on the Jersey side had 4 men killed and 6
wounded. We found in this city about 50 Boats of
all sorts and procured a Durham boat from Frankford
creek that will hold ico men. The Boats of the
Ferries secured, accounts received that Lord Howe
and the Fleet were within the Light House. This
afternoon began to reconnoitre the heights near this
city, for forming the defense of it, by Field Works,
running from the Schuylkill to the Delaware rivers.
This I was given to understand was our present grand
object. Some party of the Enemy attacked the
Queen's Rangers, killed one man and wounded three
officers, but were immediately drove back with some
460 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
loss. The Commander-in-Chief entered the city and
returned. I attended him and settled for the payment
of the Inhabitants that could be procured to work.
Allowance 8 Shillings a day to four and eight pence
per day.
28*** Sunday. As cold as in the beginning of No-
vember. Wind at N. E. and fresh. Lt. Colonel
Monkton and a detachment of 600 Grenadiers crossed
the Schuylkill Ferry to escort some sailors sent by the
Roebuck to man the rebel Frigate. The Commander-
in-Chief entered this city and returned to his Head
Quarters at Stenton near Germantown. Early this
morning I begun on fixing the Situation for forming a
chain of redoubts for the defence of this city. This
afternoon I attended Lord Cornwallis in viewing the
Position I had fixed on for the works, extending along
the heights from Delaware to Schuylkill, North of the
city. Finished the North Battery, near Kensington.
Several guns small arms, &c discovered, also quanti-
ties of ammunition, Intrenching Tools, &c. Found
at daylight this morning that the Galley had got off
and returned to the Rebel Fleet. M. Duch^, minister
was put in Jail for having been concerned in the Re-
bellion. Deserted to us this morning a Sloop with 2
guns and 30 armed men. Also several deserters and
a Trumpeter of Rebel Light Horse. Deserted to us
30 armed men with a Galley which they run ashore
below Gloucester Point, while their Captain was gone
for Orders.
29*. Wind at N. E. and very cold. The detach-
ment of Grenadiers returned from towards Chester
and escorted safe the seamen sent by Captain Ham-
mond of the Roebuck, consisting of one Lieut, 2 mid-
shipmen, and 50 men, and a few hours after arrived
14 more seamen. Several persons concerned were
apprehended and confined in the Jail. A Proclamation
dated yesterday was issued this day by the Com-
mander-in-Chief, signifying no further indulgences to
Rebels, all former proclamations being now void. En-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 46 1
gineers begun to mark out the defences. Large quan-
tities of small arms discovered ; also more Cannon.
Several new discoveries of Boats. Several desertions
from the Rebel Army.
Transmitted to my friend Boddington, copies and
Triplicates of my public accounts, as my Controul, in
case of Enquiries or Retrospections for the conduct
of the Expenditures. This night the rebels sent down
3 large Fire rafts to burn some of our Ships of war
who kept a smart cannonade upon them, but being
too late in the tide, returned with the Flood to their
own Shipping, came in three dragoons from the rebels.
October i", Wednesday. Wind stiff to the North.
Weather extremely pleasant The 2nd Battalion Gren-
adiers returned but with little cattle. Several desert-
ers from the rebels came by 4s and 6s. Several
Scows, Flat Boats and others found and brought to
Town that were laid hid in the marshes and several
from Windmill Island and two Field carriages complete.
2"**. Weather vastly fine. Foggy mornings. Heavy
cannonade down the river at 9 o clock A. M. About
50 deserters chiefly from General Wayne's brigade.
Wind S. S. W. The Delaware Rebel Frigate re-
moved to the North Battery. A few of the Inhabi-
tants made a kind of beginning at the Redoubt this
afternoon. At 10 this morning signed the order for
Provisions for 340 Inhabitants to work on the redoubts.
Not yet attended the work. This return dated October
1st and ending 4th both inclusive.
3'**. The mornings very foggy, but the weather
fine. Inhabitants went to work this morning. But
300 men though signed for 340 days provisions. Reg-
ulated the Foreman to the workmen. This evening
as the day was closing 2 Skiffs were brought to Schuyl-
kill Ferry (the Rebels on our arrival having broke
the canoe on the opposite side) as an officer and 20
Grenadiers were to escort myself, Captain Moncrief
and Brigade Major Ferrington to ascertain the dis-
tances to the shipping and Forts, though dark, how-
462 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ever, these boats would contain but myself and 5
Grenadiers, who were first over and the other Captain
Moncrief and 4 Grenadiers. The Rebels abandoned
the Island as did their Hospital.
4*. As the day was breaking and during our Re-
veille beating, our Pickets were unexpectedly attacked
by the rebel army, &c. A Flag of truce sent out to
the Enemy for surgeons for their wounded. During
the action of this day, the countenances and actions of
many of the Inhabitants of Philadelphia were rather
rebellious and seem to indicate their wish for the rebels
to regain the city.
5* Sunday. Weather extremely fine but hot and
dry. One captain, 2 subalterns, and 30 of Royal ar-
tillery detached this day to Chester, to bring to Phil-
adelphia two 8 inch Howitzers, and two Eight Inch
Mortars, if no Howitzers then another mortar of 10
Inch. A Battalion of Grenadiers and the 23rd or
Welsh Fusileers went at the same time to escort them,
accounts received from the Lower Chevaux des frizes
that our ships of war had weighed them under cover
of their ships, and 200 men of the 71st Regiment
now in possession of the Tort at Billingsport. Sixty
deserters from the Rebels.
6*^. Weather very warm. Wind S. W. 30 desert
ers from the rebel army, who left it yesterday at the
29th milestone from this city. Washington's Head-
quarters at the Trap ; a large body at Perkioming
creek, and another at Skippack. This night returned
the escort with Provisions and Artillery from Chester,
and the 42nd and loth Regt. two 8 inch Bran Mor-
tars, two 8 inch Bran Howitzers, and 400 eight inch
Shells, and 500 Barrels of Pork. This night almost
a continued cannonade between the Enemies Row
Galleys and our Ships of war, between Fort Island
and Chester. Arrived an Agent of Transports from
Lord Howe's Fleet having left them off the Capes in
a hard gale of wind. Scattering parties of the rebels
fired at our outposts this night but were repulsed.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 463
7*. Wind W. S. W. The weather extremely hot
for the season. Early this morning an account of
Lord Howe^ and the fleet being certainly in the Del-
aware. The 23d Regt. marched from Philadelphia to
Camp at Germantown. An Engineer and lOO Gren-
adiers proceeded this morning to reconnoitre Province
Island for fixing of Mortars and 8 inch Howitzers.
Some deserters from the Enemy. In the evening the
rebels pushed 2 Galleys in the mouth of the Schuyl-
kill which obliged the detachment with the Engineers
to return to Philadelphia by Gray's Ferry. Gallies
fired and the Fort together one hundred shot at us.
Dispatches arrived at Head Quarters from New York
by Chester.
8*^. Weather remarkably fine and favourable for our
wounded men. Wind West. Several deserters from
the enemy. Hurley an ensign and adjutant and de-
serter from the 44th Regiment when at Boston (after
having been tried by a Court Martial) was executed
this morning in the Artillery Camp. This night at
Sundown we made a Battery of No. 2 Medium' 12s
at the N. side of the mouth of Schuylkill ; before it
was finished 3 rebel Galleys came to their usual station
at the mouth and hearing our workmen fired grape
3 inch shot, which we did not return, until our Battery
was completed. The loth Regiment marched from
Camp to assist as a working party, this night but the
boats in the morning from Gray's Ferry coming to
Province Island Ferry were taken by the rebels and
the people wounded and another attempt in the Even-
ing failed owing to the lateness of the tide. The ar-
tillery moved this Evening to Schuylkill Ferry a two
medium 12 pounder, two 8 inch Howitzers, and 2
Eight Inch mortars, and 100 rounds to each, 400 Fas-
cines and pickets to Plank timber and Tools, and a
Detachment of Three hundred Grenadiers and one
Field 6 Pounder.
9*. Wind at E. & S. E. A very heavy rain parti-
cularly this afternoon insomuch as to prevent the work-
464 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
ing and covering parties from proceeding to Province
Island. Nine Rebel Galleys attacked our Battery of
2 medium 1 2 pounders but were beaten back. We lost
one Grenadier killed, three wounded and a waggoner
and two Horses killed. This evening on the turning
of the tide two Brigs and a floating Battery moved up
between Little Mud Island and Fort Island. The
Fort this day apprehensive of our having taken post
on Province Island fired from the Fort on it from 7 to
8 o'clock A. M. Accounts from General Clinton hav-
ing proceeded from New York up Hudson's River
with a considerable body of Troops to co-operate with
General Burgoyne from whom some favourable ac-
counts have been likewise received at Head Quarters.
Several deserters came in.
10'**. A keen North Wester. Weather delightful
but cool. This night the Engineers constructed a bat-
tery unperceived, the battery 250 yards from the
enemy's floating battery, and 500 yards West of the
Fort on a dyke in an overflowed meadow. Advanced
Lieutenant Sproule for the Inhabitants working on Re-
doubts— Thirty guineas out of my own pocket. The
above, or Middle Battery, constructed on Carpenter s
Island, for one 8 inch Howitzer, and one Eight inch
mortar. Begun our first Battery against Mud Island,
but not before on account of the extensive works in
Town, Bridge across the Schuylkill, the reason for very
heavy rains and overflow of the Delaware, and in mak-
ing good such Breaches of the several dykes as im-
mediately affected the attacks and that by the Carpen-
ters in the Engineers Department assisted by the
Detachment
II*. At i past 9 this morning the rebels landed
about 1 80 men near the battery built last night, and
advanced and summoned it and the Captain of the loth
delivered it up, with his detachment of 50 men and
two officers and a medium Bran 1 2 Pounder and 4 ar-
tillery men, which was retaken immediately by Captain
James Moncrief Engineer and 50 Hessians, recovered
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 465
the gun unspiked and all the detachment except 2 sub-
alterns, 5 grenadiers and 2 artillery men. During this
day the Rebels fired 3000 Cannon Shot at this battery
from the instant day broke. The Troops being few
and harassed no work this night. This morning cold
and white frost.
12*. Sunday. Weather delightful. At 11 o'clock
this morning about 500 Rebels landed in the front and
2 flanks of the Battery with Bayonets fixed (previous
to which they shelled it with a very heavy cannonade,
from the Fort, Floating Batteries and Gallies) our de-
tachment of 50 men \ Hessians \ British under a Hes-
sian Captain ; received them with a well directed fire
of musketry, the attack for f of an hour, the rebels
concealing themselves under the Dyke and behind trees
and bushes, in the mean time Major Gardiner with 50
Grenadiers moved from his post to outflank the rebels
and the battery, which he succeeded in by the rebels
taking to their boats, during which the detachment of
the battery kept up a smart fire. We lost 2 British
and 2 Hessian Grenadiers and 3 British wounded.
The rebels took their killed and wounded off in their
boats under their own fire.
13*. Wind S. W. and delightful weather. The re-
doubts for the defence of Philadelphia continued on,
though slowly, as none but Inhabitants are employed
on it, and that at 8 shillings per day and Provisions.
This morning the Batteries could have opened on the
enemy but for the battery intended on the right which
could not be begun on account of the clearness of the
night For the working and covering parties this
night, 400 men. Deserters daily come in. This night
I began a battery on the point of Province Island at
the Post houses for 2 Iron Eighteen Pounders. Large
quantities of Forage collected and brought in the
neighborhood of the city by the Commissary General,
artillery, &c. &c.
14*. Wind at N. W. fine weather. Working party
and covering for this night 500 men. Continued on
30
466 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the Post House Battery and completed it during the
course of this night. Also began on a new Battery to
the right and finished it,* raised and thickened the
middle Battery. The night very fine for work but
too clear. Enemies sent boats cruising, but we con-
tinued undiscovered. Some deserters came in. The
Vigilant armed ship advanced early this morning and
fired at the Rebel Fort This night the rebels em-
ployed their Boats in loading their stores, &c., at Red
Bank, where they have a Fort which they are now
employed in strengthening.
1 5***. As soon (after daybreak^ as the Fog was dis-
pelled which was about 7 o'clock the 4 Batteries under
my direction opened upon the rebel Fort and marine,
the former we discovered to be nearly abandoned and
the latter weighed and sheered off, excepting one
Floating battery of 18 Eighteen Pounders which con-
tinued about I hour and changed her position more
idistanL Our batteries were as follows : —
Battery on the north side of Schuylkill Point, 2 me-
diaim 12 Pounders
Battery at the Post Houses, 2 rebel Iron 18 Pounders
Battery Middle (battery) i Eight inch Howitzer and
one 8 inch mortar.
Battery Night (battery) i Eight inch Howitzer and
one 8 inch mortar.
During the course of our firing one rebel iron 18
pounder burst, while I was on the Post House Battery
and killed one artillery man and wounded 3 more.
Could observe an additional vessel of our Fleet added
to the Roebuck and Vigilant now at anchor off of
Little Tinnicum Island The two Batteries on the
Right continued to throw a shell or Howitzer about
every ^ hour during the course of the night. Wind
this day chiefly S. W. weather charming.
* For oiie 8 inch JHowiUer and i Eight inch mortar 600 yds. from
Fort.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR, 467
16*. At nine this morning a Court Martial sat for
the tryal of such persons as were thought to have mis-
behaved on the nth Inst, in surrendering to the enemy
the middle battery on Carpenter s Island. Wind at
N. E. but delightful weather. Fired some Red hot
shot out of the Howitzers to set fire to the barracks.
The lightness of our Artillery and the shortness of
our ammunition not making that instant impression
the Commander-in-Chief wished and expected he this
day at i o'clock altered his present Plan. Guards for
the Batteries at and near Province Island, 360 men.
Observation by the Commander-in-Chief, respecting
the reducing of Mud Island Fort, "That 3 weeks were
now elapsed and nothing done." Quere ? Whether
that might not be related (with submission) to him,
about his staying so far away at Germantown ?
17*. Weather cold and raw and cloudy. Wind E. N.
E. About noon 7 Deserters came off from the Fort
in an excellent Barge. This day principally employed
in my department in transporting the materials for the
Bridge of Schuylkill at Gray's Ferry together with its
boats. Shell and Howitzers continue from the bat-
tery at the rate of 10 every 24 hours. The 2 medium
1 2 Pounders brought back from the redoubt at the
Battery at the Post Houses. Obliged to take the
peasantry from the redoubts to load material.
18*. Wind at N. ^ E. weather extremely fine. The
utmost preparation making to forward the Bridge at
Gray's Ferry across the Schuylkill. The detachment
from Wilmington and last from Chester, arrived on the
opposite side at 2 o'clock P. M. The Tide surpris-
ingly high. Wind this afternoon Southerly. With
the detachment arrived the Engineer witn it and
another recovered of his wounds. The overflow of
the meadows is such that the tide is rather over the
platform of the right and middle Batteries and Boats
pass from Ferry House to Blakely's. Wrote to the
Honorable Board. The detachment of yesterday from
Wilmington brought 500 convalescents. Arrived
468 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Lord Rawdon with dispatches from General Ch'nton
of his having stormed Forts Montgomery and Clinton,
killed ICO and took 300 rebels with the loss of 156
killed and wounded on our side.
IQ***. A thick fog, weather very fine. The Comman-
der-in-Chief with the army marched from German-
town to the heights North of Philadelphia extending
from the river Delaware to the Schuylkill 2J miles
and encamped in the rear of the 10 redoubts. I am
now constructing a kind of communication now kept
up with the Fleet by the way of Province Island and
Bow Creek. The cannon from the Fort damaging
our Right Battery. Obliged to repair them at night.
20*. Wind S. W. and the weather remarkably warm.
At 4 this morning 12 Flat bottomed Boats and a
whale boat arrived at Philadelphia from our Fleet after
receiving abundance of Grape from the Fort and 2
GalHes below without any injury until they arrived
near our Battery two medium 12 pounders, on the
North point of Schuylkill where they were fired on
(that Garrison not being apprized) and lost one sea-
man. At i past ID this morning, the Engineers fin-
ished the Floating Bridge across Schuylkill upwards
of 400 feet. Rebels fired a feu de joie from the Fort
and Ships, &c. Commander-in-Chief visited the works.
An officer and 6 mounted Jagers patroling near the
Falls of Schuylkill were met by a troop of Rebel Horse
and obliged to fly having one killed, but Plunket their
Captain pursuing too far fell in with one of our Pickets
and was wounded and taken with another. Arrived
in the night as far as Blakely's House a 13 inch
mortar and this night made greatest put of its battery
about 350 yards from the Rebel Fort Communica-
tion open with the Fleet from the Batteries to Bow
Creek, the road to Blakely's House. The effect of
these Batteries were answered by driving off the Rebel
Floating Batteries and Gallies and opening a kind of
communication with our Fleet, they were also intended
to annoy the Fort and set fire to the Buildings, which
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 469
did not take place for the Instant the shells fell, they
were immersed in the mire, that work being con-
structed in and on the mud.
21". A sharp North Wester and rather cold. At 8
thfs morning our Troops embarked in 12 Flat bot-
tomed Boats at the North End of Philadelphia and
landed on the Jersey Shore consisting of 3 Battalions
of Hessians, Regiment of Mirbach and Chasseurs
with all their Battalion Guns and 2 Royal Howitzers
to attack the Rebels at Red Bank. On the redoubts
720 of our Troops and I discharged the peasantry.
I began on the T^te de Pont on the West Side of
Schuylkill with the Detachment left there 71st and
I Battalion Hessians and 27th Regiment. Wrote to
Captain McKenzie respecting my letter to the Board
to return home to lay before the Commander-in-Chief.
Accounts in the night that Genl. Weeden and 4000
rebejs had crossed South Side of Schuylkill.
22"**. A very sharp white frost. Wind at North.
Accounts that the rebels had passed a considerable
body from their camp across the Schuylkill, the loth
and 28th ordered as a working party, and I began
on Hamilton's House oppposite Gray's Ferry. The
Troops continued on the redoubts, began on damming
out the waters at Province Isd. by filling up the
Dykes that the rebels had cut to overflow the mea-
dows by II Inhabitants from town, a skin of ice
this morning just perceptible and that was all. Early
this morning 8 Flat bottomed Boats arrived in the
Schuylkill from the Fleet with 50 hogsheads of rum
without a single shot from the enemy. At 3 o'clock
P. M. the works for the tete de pont at Gray's Ferry
ordered to be stopt and the Detacht to return and the
bridge to be taken up and carried to Middle Ferry.
In the night reed, the acct. of the Hessians having at-
tacked the Rebel works at Red Bank, carried their
outworks and afterwards repulsed. Count Dunop
wounded mortally.
23'*^. Wind northerly and fresh and cold. Before
470 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
daybreak the 27th Regt. and a Battalion of Light In-
fantry crossed the Delaware to reinforce and cover
the Hessians who retired this afternoon to Cooper s
Ferry opposite the city. The working parties in-
stead of doing their duty by thirds, do it now by
fourths. The parties entered on the redoubts. Be-
fore the Explosion of the Augustas Powder Magazine
which was at i past 10 A. M. many of the seamen
jumped overboard apprehending it, some were taken
up by our ships boats, but the Chaplain, one Lieu-
tenant and 60 men perished in the water. The Au-
gusta has got aground but not on the Chevaux de
irises as did the Merlin sloop of war but nearer the
Jersey shore. 200 Grenadiers were ready for the
assault and had marched to the Ferry at Province
Island where the Fleet Boats were ready to receive
them. During the course of this mornings unfortu-
nate manoeuvre the Rebels sent down a fire raf^. 2
of our ships boats towed off and 2 went ashore Four
row Gallies came down this evening from Bristol and
come too behind Petty's Island about 3 miles North
East of the city. This night made work for 30 men
on each side of Middle Ferry house to cover the work-
men making the Floating Bridge. 2 Light 12 pounders
brought from the Park and fixed on a rise to secure
the Bridge.
24**". Wind at N. E. and raw. Began and finished
3 Lodgments for 40 men each as a Tete de pont op-
posite on West Side of Schuylkill Began this morn-
ing to lay the Bridge and Middle Ferry and I com
pleted it this afternoon. I directed a small work to be
made to cover the 2 Medium 12 pounders and the 9
Pounder at Schuylkill St.
25*. Wind at E. N. E. small rain and a thick fog.
Engineers mending the causeway to Blakely's House
across the meadows. Two floating Batteries begun
on for carrying each two 32 pounders. This day the
commander-in-chiefs Proclamation of the ist October
expires.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 47 1
26*. Wind at N. E. and thick moist weather. An
Agent of Transports arrived before day from the Fleet
with 24 flat bottomed boats with provisions. This
evening returns leaving 8. This night went the mail
for England but not yet to sail. This day the marines
of the Fleet took possession again at Billingsport in
New Jersey.
27*. A storm at N. E. and heavy rain. At night a
mere Tempest. No working parties this day and in-
deed from the nature of this overflowed land and the
heavy rains and great freshet in the Delaware retards
our progress beyond description.
28*. The Tempest with rain continued. Wind at
N. East. No working parties whatever this day.
This morning between 6 and 7 the Commander-in-
Chief's dispatches left this for England escorted to
by the two Battalions of 71st Regt At 2 P. M.
the floating Bridge at Middle Ferry was carried down
the Schuylkill by the N. E. Stormy High tide and
rapid stream and Ebb together. By the dispatches
this day I wrote to the Board for 6 months leave or to
be relieved, if not to be permitted to resign. The
Schuylkill so rapid, could not depart, the Province Is-
land Detachment. The Fresh so high in the Schuyl-
kill as to carry off" part of the wharf.
29* The Storm continues at N. E. but neither so
violent either in wind or rain. The weather too bad
for work. Parties however of the seamen attempting
to collect the Bridge and some carpenters squaring for
another. Gallies attacked our lower Batteries with
Grape but drove off". An Express went to the Fleet.
One deserter came in. The Floating Batteries re-
tarded in their building by the weather.
30***. Wind at W. N. W. and cold the weather very
clear. Returned the messenger that was sent to Genl.
Burgoyne from Treduff"rin who could not succeed.
Boats from the Fleet with Provisions and Rum.
Ground too wet to go on with the works. This night
the Rebels set fire to several of our boats that formed
472 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
our Bridge at Middle Ferry and were carried away to
the opposite shore. •
31". Wind at N. W. weather very fine. The Boats
that attempted coming up from our Fleet towards 2 A.
M. were fired on by the Rebel Gallies and returned
back. A Battery of Light Infantry went 4J miles on
Germantown road and saw no Rebels. Repossessed
the Tete de pont at the Middle Ferry over Schuylkill
without opposition. Knocked off one of the rebel's
thighs with a cannon shot Our party 60 Inhabitants
this day ancj 30 more at night. Arrived this morning
a Lieut, of the 62d Regiment from Lt. Genl. Burgoyne
with a pass from Gates. A rebel General sent to the
Commander-in-Chief here with an account of the Con-
vention, with an account that our Northern army had
lain down their arms, were on the march to Boston
and there to Embark for England in Transports to be
sent there fro.n us and not to serve during the rebel-
lion.
November i". 1777. Wind N. somewhat Easterly
but Extreme fine weather. Flat boats brought up Pro-
visions and 3 twenty four Pounders, Iron. Rebels
fire across at people as they ride on the Banks of the
Schuylkill. Two hundred of the Rebels employed in
cutting up the road to Bow Creek and breaking down
the dam to overflow us.*
Sunday 2"**. A thick fog, Wind at S. E. weather ex-
tremely fine with a white Frost. A working party
ordered of 200 men but Countermanded by the Com-
mander-in-Chief lest it should bring on the Fire on
the Boats expected up from the Fort this night.
Rebels fired a few shot at our detachment, at T^te
de pont. A deserter came in.
3*^^ Wind at West and very fine weather. Early in
*** November ist. we are just now an army without provisions or Rum,
artillery for Beseiging, scarce any ammunition, no clothing, nor any
money. Somewhat dejected by Burgoyne's capitulation, and not elated
with our late manoeuvres as Dunop's repulse and the Augustas and Mer-
lin being burnt and to compleat all, Blockaded." (From note book of
Captain Montr^sor.)
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 473
the morning generally foggy. Came up about 3 this
morning Provisions and three 24 Pounders in Boats.
This day General orders Contain the Convention or
rather Capitulation of Genl. Burgoyne's army. At 9
o'clock at night began on a Battery for six 24 Pound-
ers. Daily working parties from the Troops continue
on the redoubts.
4*. Wind at West the day delightful. The Mud
Battery fired at our Shipping without effect. The
Ship with the Rebel Commodore was struck by a shot
from one of our medium 1 2 pounders and their fleet
hauled nearer the Jersey shore. The Battery began
in last night left and changed to the Front Dam 90
yards nearer the Delaware. Boats come up from the
Fleet with regimental Baggage and their Quarter
Master.
5*\ Wind at West morning hazy. Weather very
warm and fine. Began on another floating bridge
across the Schuylkill at Middle Ferry formed by Logs.
Arrived this morning before daylight our Flat Boats
from the Fleet with Provisions. Rain all the after-
noon and night. The Commander-in-Chief visited
Province Island and Carpenter's Island and the batter-
ies and other works thereon. The rebels opened a Bat-
tery of two Guns, near Manto Creek against our
shipping which was returned by them. Rebel Gallies
at the same time went down and fired on the Fleet
and were beat back. The Battery on the Front dam
being found too miry this night the working party
continued on the work of the night before last. This
morning the Detachment on Province Island relieved
by the twenty Seventh and the twenty eighth Regi-
ment.
6'**. Wind at W. and the greatest part of this day
Rain. Arrived before daylight Boats from the Fleet
with Provisions. Working party of 200 men Contin-
ued on the six twenty four Pounders Battery at Prov-
ince Island. The weather too wet for the Troops to
work on the redoubts. Two deserters came in from
474 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the Rebel Camp. Quarter Master General received
orders to fix our Quarters near this city, intended for
lo.ooo men. Gun powder found lodged in the Chim-
nies in this city by the rebels.
7*. Wind at N. W. weather very fine but cold.
Boats come up from the Fleet before daylight with
Provisions, Rum and loo Barrels of Powder. Working
party of 200 men continued on the Battery for six twenty
four Pounders. Parties on the redoubt from the Line.
8***. Wind N. W. weather very fine. Boats hap-
pily got up again from our Fleet. Brought up 20
anchors for the Bridge. Provisions and 5000 Guineas
for the Army. Rained all the afternoon and heavily
all the night, which impeded our work. Our light
horse attacked 2 Squadron of the rebels Light Horse
and drove them, took their Major and a French officer
and some horses and a Dragoon.
Sunday 9*. Wind N. W. weather delightful. Fin-
ished this night a 2nd Redoubt near Blakely's House.
Could not open our Battery this morning owing to the
badness of the weather last night. Accounts received
of the arrival of our reinforcements from New York.
Some seamen deserted to us.
lo**". Morning damp and thick. Wind at S. W. at
*j\ A. M. We opened our Batteries against Mud Is-
land Forty the whole consisting of two 32 pounders,
six 24 pounders Iron, one 18 pounder, two 8 inch How-
itzers, two 8 inch mortars, and one 13 inch mortar for
throwing pound shot and carcases. Rebels from 2
Batteries fired 5 gun all silenced by noon except one
which was not silenced at dark. Afternoon, began to
rain with a gust at S. W. and continued raining most
of this night. Notwithstanding began on fortifying
Blakely's house. Bridge across Schuylkill at Middle
Ferry passable for Horse and foot. Two of our men
killed and one wounded by the rebels cannon shot.
One Grenadier, i artilly man killed on our battery.
Directions on our batteries to fire 80 rounds each gun.
11***. A West N. West wind and as cold as in the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 475
depth of winter. A white frost and the ice i an Inch
thick. All the ordnance except the two 8 inch How-
itzers which was slightly disabled. Deserters to us
some seamen from the Rebel ships. One artillery
Sergeant killed in our Battery, which continued firing
all day and blew up the Centre Block House in the
Fort The Batteries repaired in the night. One cor-
poral killed and 2 Sergeants wounded at Blakely's
House being in the line of Fire. An 18 pounder the
rebels weighed from the wreck of the Augusta, burst in
firing it at our Batteries from Red Bank, killed i
and wounded 8 in the N. E. stockade. Bridge across
Middle Ferry Schuylkill finished. This night at high
water at 10 arrived 2 Brigs and 2 sloops loaded with
Provisions and ammunition which supplies the army
with provisions 3 weeks to come.
1 2'*". Wind at S. blew a gale of wind between 4 &
5 A. M., and the rest of the day very tempestous.
The same batteries kept playing upon the Rebel fort
as yesterday, the two 8 inch Howitzers still disabled
and unrepaired. The Isis, a galley and sloop fired
much on the Jersey shore. The Vigilant expected up
but had touched ground last night. From one to 3
P. M. the rebel Fire from the Fort was silenced but
at half past 3 they opened one Gun from their 2 Gun
Battery and one from the shoulder of the Mud Battery.
Arrived this morning a boat or ^ galley which deserted
to us with one 4 pounder, 4 swivels, and two wall
pieces with men & small arms. One man killed &
wounded mortally and the officer of artillery slightly
by the unexpected bursting of one of our 8 inch shells.
The N. E. front of the Stockades of ye Rebel Fort
practicable in 20 places. The lower Block House de-
clining. Built a Battery on the wharf for one medium
1 2 pounder. Wind too violent for the Vigilant to come
up. One of our shells burst and killed 2 men on the
Battery. Remarks — by the Inhabitants that such cold
weather never set in so soon. Some trifling snow fell
this morning, mixed with rain.
476 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
13*. Wind W. N. W. Blowing very hard and too
scant a wind for the Vigilant and to attack the Fort.
Our batteries continued all the day at the Forts. Our
Ships and Gallies firing on Jersey Shore. Re-
paired our Batteries this night with 100 men. Parties
in the redoubts as usual. Extremely cold this day.
Rebels still fire with one Gun, an Eighteen pounder,
from Shoulder of Mud Battery and 5 to 6 shot from 2
Gun Batteries. One of our 24 pounders disabled in
the Truck. A Boat with 4 men deserted to us from
the Gallies and a barge with men to our Fleet The
Cold weather, hard work, bad Pasture and no Grain
destroyed* several of our Horses, a great scarcity in
Philadelphia of meat, drink, clothing, firing, etc. etc.
14'**. Wind W. N. W. very cold and raw, weather
cloudy, thought to be rather scant for the Vigilant and
that it would be sufficient, for as the tides became late
to get her over Hog Island bar. Our batteries con-
tinued as usual against Fort Island. A floating battery
with two 32 pounders, we sent out of Schuylkill and
laid her within 500 yards of the Fort at daybreak
where she opened very successfully for two hours but
was silenced by the Fort, 3 shot went through her and
one killed. Rebels fired most of this day from the
Embrasure in the Shoulder of the Mud Battery and 2
Gun from the Gun Battery which they advanced in the
night
15*. Wind westerly, weather very fine, but very
cold. Before 1 1 this morning the following ships of
war moved nearer the Chevaux de frise vizL Isis,
Somerset, Roebuck, Liverpool, Pearl. Three Regi-
ments of Provincials raising vizt Allen's, Chalmer's
and Clifton's. The latter Roman Catholicks. This
night at ^ past 1 1 the rebels set fire to and con-
sumed the Fort except the Block houses and Com-
manding Officers house and then evacuated Mud Island
leaving their colour standing, and fled so precipitately
as to leave us 1 1 pieces of cannon not spiked. Fort
Mifflin evacuated by the rebels.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR* 477
i6*\ Sunday. At \ past 7 this morning, a boat with
some sailors landed at the Fort on Mud Island and
took down the Rebel colours which were left standing
and hoisted our own. At 9 Sir George Osborne
(whom I accompanied) and the detachment intended
for the storm, embarked from Carpenter's Island in 8
Flat Bottomed Boats, 35 soldiers each together with
Engineers, a company of Carpenters, fascines, scaling
ladders, flying bridge, etc., and took possession of the
Fort & immediately began on a Battery for four 32
pounders, partly for the Defence of that post and partly
to prevent their vessels annoying us in removing the
Chevaux de frise. Wind W. by N. W. and thick with
some trifling snow.
General orders Head Quarters Philadelphiay
16 November 1777.
The Commander in Chief desires his thanks' may
be given to all the officers and men employed in the
Reduction of Mud Island and particularly to Brigadier
General Cleaveland, Captain Montr^sor, Chief Engi-
neer, and to Captains Montcrief and Trail and the
officers and men of the artillery employed upon that
service for their great exertions and indefatigable zeal
throughout that very laborious operation, in which the
officers and men of the navy took so great a share.
November 1 7* . Wind W. This morning at 1 1 o'clock,
the Troops that came left from [for] New York under
the command of Major Genl. Sir Thomas Wilson.
18*. This evening Lord Cornwallis with the troops
for Philadelphia landed at Billingsport where his Lord-
ship took the command. Wind West. As he went
through Darby with the 33d Regt. the rebels fired
out of a house and Shot his Sergeant Major. The
troops entered it and bayoneted the whole.
19*. Wind W. Continued taking my tartar Emetic.
On the Batteries, since the beginning of throwing
478 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
them up and happily succeeded by unvaried persever-
ance.
20*. Wind at W. At J past 4 this afternoon the
rebels blew up their works at Red Bank. Arrived my
Brother, at 12 this day Lord CornwalHs with 6000
men took possession of Red Bank which the Rebels
evacuated the preceding night.
21". Wind at N. E. but very light. This morning
at 3 o'clock the moon shining the Galleys began to
move from the Rebel Fleet and pass up by the Town
and at 4 the rebels set fire to all their marine remain-
ing. As soon as their Galley advanced towards our
Guns at the North Part of the city we fired on them
as did the Delaware Frigate, which drove one armed ^
Schooner of 8 guns, and one armed Sloop on the Jer-
sey shore. The rebels burnt 15 Topsail vessels and
15 galleys got up the river. Large Party of Rebel
Horse and foot attacked our pickets to the bottom of
our lines but was repulsed with loss. Came up to the
city from the Fleet, 2 Barges from the Ships of war.
This morning sailed from Chester, dispatches for New
York. Rebel Fleet here cost Five hundred thousand
pounds Sterling currency.
22^ Wind N. W. but mild and pleasant morning
very foggy. Came up to the city 5 trading sloops.
A large party of rebels again attacked our Pickets to
the right of the line and were drove with loss, they
firing out of the Houses, we set fire to Dickinson's
and several others. As day was breaking the tender
from the Delaware crossed to the Jersies, sunk a rebel
armed sloop that was aground. Nine Light Horse
taken by our Patrols. Arrived in the Delaware from
New York 23 victuallers under convoy of the Thames
Frigate. About seven o'clock this morning felt a
shock of an Earthquake.
Sunday 23^ Wind S. S. E. morning foggy and con-
tinue hazy most of the day but the weather charming.
Several Sloops and Schooners arrived at Philadelphia
this morning. I demolished all the batteries and re-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 479
doubts on Carpenter's Island and Blakely's House.
The 28th and detachment of Guards 150 men retired
leaving the loth Regt. to occupy the new redoubt at
the Province Island Ferry House.
24***. Wind S. W. Weather very fine, very mild
but very foggy and hazy all the day. Several ships
got up to Town this day and one ship of war the
" Camilla." Rain all this night.
25***. Wind at N. W. weather very fine. Lord
Cornwallis arrived with the troops at Gloucester.
Our pickets without the lines shot a sergeant of Light
Horse through the thigh and took him and killed his
horse. The 17th Dragoons and part of the troops
^from Gloucester crossed over to this city. Arrived
Brig. Genl. Pattison Royal Artillery. In our attack in
the Jersey under Lord Cornwallis we lost 31 Jagers
killed, wounded, and missing.
26***. Wind W. N. W. weather very fine. Troops
crossed from Gloucester in the Jersey to Gloucester
Point in Pennsylvania.
27*. Wind W. N. W. weather mild. Troops from
Gloucester returned, crossing to Gloucester point until
the whole were over which was effected this morning
with Lord Cornwallis. On their retiring a smart fire
was kept up by about two hundred of the rebels upon
our rear at embarking.
28*. Wind at N. E. weather very fine.
29^. A very heavy storm at N. E. with rain.
30*. Wind at North, North East and some rain.
Sunday.
December i", 1777, Monday. Wind N. W. weather
cleared up & fine.
2?. Wind W. N. W. discharged the Brig Lady
Howe.
3^ Wind N. W. and Snow but only to skim the
ground but not to lay. Orders for the Army to hold
themselves in readiness to move to-morrow by 7
A. M.
4* Wind N. W. The Army's motion counter-
480 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
manded at 3 this morning. But at 10 this night they
marched in 2 Columns, the right taking the German-
town Road under Lord Cornwallis, and the left the
Manitawney Road along the Schuylkill.
6'**. This night returned from the Army to Phila-
delphia the 5th and 27th Regiments. Wind North
East.
7*. This morning at 2 o'clock provisions went from
Philadelphia to our Army, escorted by the 40th, 55th,
71st Regiments. A Light Horse mounted deserted
to us. Wind N. East.
8*. Wind at S. W. very foggy.
13* Wind N. E.
18*. Discharged master Foreman & of the English
contracted carpenters.
22*^. Sir Wm. Howe moved out from Philadelphia
with 7000 men across the Schuylkill over the 2 float-
ing bridges and so to Darby leaving Lt. General
Kniphuysen in command at Philadelphia.
23**. Discharged the master and crew of the Sloop
Betsy.
28***. Sunday, Wind N. East, weather soft with 4
inches of Snow. The troops with the Com. in Chief
returned to this city after a very successful Foraging
Party, 200 Tons of Hay & taking this day 2 officers
^ Zl "^^^ of the rebels advanced guard.
29*. Wind at N. W. very clear and very intense cold.
At 1 2 this day I sent off the Alert armed Schooner to
New York. The Ice this night one and a half inches.
30*. Wind N. W. amazing cold. Schuylkill frozen
over. A deserter from the rebels crossed to us.
The Delaware full of floating ice which forced a brig
and schooner on Shore at New Jersey at Gloucester
where the rebels took possession of them. Four
small crafts were drove past the Town. This day is
looked upon as Entering Winter Quarters. Mornings
and evenings continue fine.
I*' March 1778. Returned from Salem (60 miles
from hence) the 2 Battalions Light Infantry and the
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 48 1
two Established Engineers in flat boats. Weather
cold frosty and Boisterous at N. W. A Fall of snow
this night.
2**. Returned from Haddonfield the 2 Battalions of
42d and Simcoe's Rangers and 4 field pieces, 3 Pound-
ers, by the way of Cooper's Ferry. A Fall of snow
this night. Wind at N. N. W.
3^ Snow all day, wind at N. N. East, now and then
we lose a man by Desertion 300 men from the Head
of Elk to this day.
4^. Intensely cold, wind at N. West. Good Sleigh-
ing.
5'\ Wind W. N. W. and cold. River Schuylkill
again froze across. Deserters in daily and with their
arms. First appearance of some trifling lightning.
6*. Weather moderated, wind northerly. Floating
ice in the Delaware. At 10 this night 100 Dragoon
and 150 mounted Light Infantry were detached to sur-
prize 300 men near Chestnut Hill but had fled. They
took I Captain and 18 of the Rebels in arms, and 20
deserted to us. Lumber secretly from the well affected
to Government and Hoards discovered here by their
means, the Crown of course paying for the same.
This supply very apropos for the Troops.
y^. Wind at E. S. E. Foggy and moist weather,
some floating ice in the Delaware and Ice on the Edge
of the Schuylkill. This day the Alert Schooner taken
by the Rebels with 9 Gun Boats off" New Castle and
retaken by the Experiment Sir James Wallace. Two
hay Transports were at the same time taken and burnt
by the rebels.
9*. N. E. wind and snowy weather. Deserters in
numbers with arms daily joining us.
ID*. Went down a Fleet for Cork, some for York
and I for London. Wind at North East and Snow.
The Cartel to meet at Germantown postponed by
Washington. •
II*. Rain all day, the weather unsettled for many
days past
31
482 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
1 2*. The Roebuck removed from the wharves into
the stream and the Camilla fell down the river and in
the afternoon followed her a Detachment of 1000 men
under the Command of Colonel Mawhood, 17th 27th
and 46th Regt Simcoe's Rangers. Arrived the Ex-
periment and Brune &c., with the Rhode Island Fleet
to the Chevaux de frise. Weather continues rather
hot than warm, being the ist Spring day.
13*. Weather very warm and the appearance of ver-
dure. Birds about.
14*. At 2 this morning went out 400 Light Infantry
and 30 Dragoons to Darby and returned, weather very
warm for the Season. Laylock and Gooseberry leaves
starting.
Sunday 15*. Weather uncommonly warm. Wind
South East. Roads getting better.
16*. Easterly winds and Damp weather. Several
Deserters came in with their arms.
\^'^ and x^"^. Fine weather. 20 deserters came in.
Frogs croak in Swamps indicating Spring.
19***. Fine weather. Began to^repair the Parapets
at the Redoubts.
20*^. 40 Jagers made an Excursion mounted and
surprised a party of Rebels of 60 men at the Black
Horse on the Lancaster road, killed 2 and took an of-
ficer and 10, the rest fled. Weather fine.
21". Wind at N. W. and Extremely cold with Ice.
High wind. 200 men Light Infantry out and returned
with some waggons of Rebel leather.
Sunday 22**. Ice an inch thick and very Cold.
23**. Weather still raw, wind N. East. Roads per-
fectly dry.
24*. Weather very fine.
25*. Arrived Commissary Loring with General Lee
from New York. Weather fine and good roads.
26"*. Damp morning, wind N. E.
27'**. Arrived the New York Fleet of Transports 40
Sail with the January Packet from England, the whole
under convoy of the Thames and Daphne reached to
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 483
Gloucester Point. Weather very fine, wind North
West.
28^. Wind S. S. W. The most part of the Fleet
reached the City. Got more materials, Lumber of
sorts for getting the Troops comfortably into Quar-
ters, Cavalry & Infantry, and are much indebted to
some Loyalists for their supply of the same and their
Informations where quantities are secreted, but must be
paid for by the Crown beforehand for part as a secur-
ity. Secrecy is the word or Death, by the Lord as
per menage by W — tw — h, who paid the money.
Sunday 29*. Daily Desertion from the Rebel Army.
During the Excursion of the Detachment of 1000 men
from our army to Salem &c., in New Jersey under
Col. Mawhood the Rebels have had 36 killed besides
the wounded and Prisoners,
30*. The Packet and a returned Transport called
the Price Frigate sailed from Billingsport for England
convoyed part of the way by the Daphne. Wind at
North North West
3I•^ Wind at N. W. blowing fresh. Weather very
fine and the roads drying. The remainder of the for-
age vessels from Salem &c. reached the Town. The
Commission for the Cartel proceeded according to
agreement to Germantown to treat with the Rebel
Commissioners.
April i". Wednesday. Wind at North West and
fresh. Returned the Alert Schooner by means of Sir
James Wallace.
2**. I reconnoitred with a Cavalry Party the ground
west of the River Schuylkill for a Post, advanced to-
wards where the Enemy were, who fled. Weather
bleak at N. E. This evening heavy rain with smart
lightning and Thunder. Lt. Sutherland Engineer
returned after having completed the Defences of
Billingsport which the Jersey volunteers now Gar-
rison.
3**. Wind N. W. and fresh. Arrived the Grey-
hound Frigate from New York and Col. Shirreff. The
484 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
— Galley launched. Gen. Lee had this morning an
Interview with Sir William Howe.
4***. Weather raw but fair.
Sunday 5*. Early this morning a Detachment from
our Light Infantry crossed the Delaware and sur-
prised a Picket of 50 Rebels between the Ferry House
and Haddonfield, Killed 7 and a Captain and took a
Colonel, a Major and 2 Lieutenants and 2>Z privates
and their arms without sustaining any loss on our side.
Wind N. W. and fresh. This morning General Charles
Lee in the Rebel service left this city on his Parole.
A rebel officer deserted to us an Irishman.
6*. Wind Westerly and rather cold, weather changes
cold after 1 2. The Cartel again carried on but to be
at New Town, Bucks County and Col. Stephens Col.
Ottave and Capt. Fitz Patrick all the Guard Commis-
sioners. Left this City for that purpose. Began this
day on the Dams for Inundating great part of the
Front of the lines.
7***. Wind at N. West and cold. A remarkably
backward Spring, Went out the Philadelphia Provin-
cial Troop of Light Horse with the Refugee volun-
teers and surprised the Rebels at Smithfield and
killed 23 besides the wounded and prisoners and with-
out loss. The Patrole of the 17th Dragoons killed
12 and I wounded. Another patrole of Dragoons
killed three Rebel Light Horse.
8*. Wind at N. N. West and cold. The Different
Detachments Returned. Arrived the Brune Frigate at
Chester, having sprung her main-mast in the late
Gale. Arrived also the Isis Ship of war with 8 Trans-
ports part of 12 separated in ye Gale.
9*. Wind fresh at South, arrived the Packet
with the mail from Falmouth, which brought the dis-
agreeable Dispatches of recalling home to England
the Commander in Chief Sir Wm. Howe and the
other changes.
10*.
• JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 485
II*. Winds S. W. Arrived 40 Sail of Transports
&c. from New York under Convoy of the Nautilus
Ship of War. A rainy day and much wanted.
Sunday 12*. Fresh Southerly winds, weather very
warm. Scro — t — m went out the Light Infantry.
13*. Winds S. S. E. and very warm Sultry weather.
Willows in leaf, Engineers met with me to consult on
strengthening our Defences. Returned the Light In-
fantry and I Prisoner. Two new Galleys built this
winter one launched and one on the Stocks.
14***. Wind Southerly. Arrived the Swift Capt.
Kepple with Dispatches from England for Sir Wm.
Howe and Lord Howe brought by the Andromeda,
copper bottomed Frigate, Capt. Burn which after
delivering the Commander in Chiefs Dispatches to
the Swift at Sea, proceeded with the Admiral to Sandy
Hook. Rain all the evening and night.
15***. Wind at North and thick weather, small rain
and damp. Lord Cathcart's Gd. of Light Horse went
out this night, and returned with 7 rebels in arms, the
8th they killed. Light Infantry returned bringing a
small Detachment sent to German Town. They took
one Light horseman mounted.
16*. Went out this night a detachment of Horse
under the Command of Major Givin, in number 150
part of which were the Philadelphia Provincial Light
Horse. Rain all this day. Wind at N. N. West.
Sailed for New York the Greyhound Frigate with
General Jones and Maj'or Sheriff to the vessels below
the Chevaux de frise, also sailed for New York the
Swift and Dispatch.
17'**. A hard N. Wester. Some Heavy Showers
and Gusts of wind. The Cavalry 150 in number
returned after having surprised Bristol and took Pris-
oners & brought them into this City, i Colonel, i Lt.
Colonel, 2 Majors, some Captains and subalterns, 3
Captains of the Rebel Galley and several privates.
Total 65 besides killing one man and wounding 2
486 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
without any loss on our side. Vessels for New York
did not sail from Billingsport until this day, went out
the Chasseurs, near 500, brought in one Rebel.
18*. Showery weather. One rebel Light horse
brought in that was plundering the market people.
Sunday 19*^. Charming weather, wind S. WesL
20*. Very hard winds at N. W. all day and rather
cold. Engineers marked out the two advanced works
in the Lines.
21*'. The Lord Hyde Packet getting aground and
not sail this day. Passengers, Colonel Mawhood,
Lt. Col. Fitzpatrick and Major Stanley. 40 Hessians
came in as Exchanged.
22**. This day arrived at Chester, a fleet of 35 sail
from New York with Forage &c., also arrived the
Eagle, Lord Howe. This morning the Hussar Galley
launched. This morning the Commander in Chief
went out in the front of the lines and approved of my
Project for its further Defence. Wind S. S. West.
The Rebels consisting of 500 men and 4 pieces of can-
non advanced within 4 miles of the Town on the Lan-
caster road and returned, killing and plundering the
market people. This morning sailed the Ld. Hyde
packet for Falmouth. A heavy shower this night.
23**. Blowing very hard at N. W. This morning
Lord Howe arrived at Head Quarters in this city.
Markets plentifully supplied with Shad and herring.
24***. A very violent N. Wester and near as cold as
in Winter and the ground dusty. At daybreak this
morning 5 companies Light Infantry and 20 Dragoons
crossed the Bridge at Schuylkill and surprised 2 par-
ties of Rebels, one posted at Barren hill and one at
Paul's mill and took the whole excepting the Captain
who swam the Schuylkill, killed i and wounded 4,
one of which left, being tootill to move. The Prison-
ers consisted of one Lieut, and 50 men, 3 of which
were Deserters from our Army. Begun on our ad-
vanced works in Front of the lines consisting of 400
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 487
men for the working Party. Two semi-circular Re-
doubts, one for loo men to the left and one for 50 in
the right.
25*^. N. W. Wind and rather cold. The Jagers and
Light Infantry went out before daylight Markets
plentiful. Two Troops of Light Dragoons went out
this night. Remark. Obliged to send sum of Money
to the Loyalists now among the Rebels, for materials
which we are at Times so infinitely distressed for in
our Department, which they sometimes secretly supply
us with and also with materials found here at Philadel-
phia, particularly lumber. Iron &c., besides what have
been concealed and brought to light by Dint of money
and without these articles the Troops must have very
materially suffered.
Sunday 26^. Wind northerly, the air cool, weather
very fine. The 2 troops of the 17th Dragoons re-
turned and surprised a Post of 50 men of the Rebels
at North Wales meeting house killed 12 took 6 pris-
oners, the rest fled. Brought in 2 Waggons loaded
with Camp Equipage. Lord Howe went down to the
Fleet below the Chevaux de frise this afternoon.
Burning the meadows in the Jersies.
27**". Wind Easterly, weather charming. The Ex-
periment sailed. Remains at Billingsport, Eagle and
Brune. This night arrived the Resolves of Congress,
Dispising the Acts of Parliament and Lord North's
Conciliatory Speech. The Commander in Chief sent
them in the night to the Packet.
28'\ Wind Easterly. At 7 this morning I embarked
iu Flat Boats with the ist Battalion and Light Infan-
try and crossed the Delaware and landed in the Jer-
sies at Cooper's Ferry and returned to Philadelphia
the same day, after fixing upon a Post for covering
the woodcutters. The Lord Hyde Packet only sailed
from Chester this morning.
29*. Lord Howe returned this afternoon from the
Eagle to Philadelphia. Wind N. East. This evening
488 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
5 of the leading Quakers that were made Prisoners
and Exiled by the Rebels came back to this city from
Winchester in Virginia.
30***. Wind Easterly and Rain. The Troops in-
tended for taking Post in the Jersies countermanded
on account of the weather. Left this at J^ past 10 this
night the Light Infantry and Rangers and some Light
Horse vizt., 12 Companies Light Infantry, Simcoe's
Rangers and 90 Horse besides those the Light Infan-
try were mounted on. This night a small party of
the British Infantry, dragoons and Queen's rangers,
with a few of Capt. Hovenden's Pennsylvania and
Capt. James Chester County dragoons left this city
about 1 1 o'clock and proceeded up the Old York road
about a mile beyond the Billet they fell in with Lacy's
Brigade of Militia, consisting of about 500 men and
immediately attacked them. Lacy at first made some
appearance of opposition but in a few seconds, was
thrown into confusion, obliged to retreat with precipi-
tation and was pursued about 4 miles. They left be-
tween 80 and 100 dead upon the field, and this after-
noon between 50 and 60 prisoners, besides waggoners
with ID of their waggons loaded with baggage, flour,
salt, whisky &c., were brought in by the troops on
their return. What number of rebels were wounded
we have not been able to learn. Besides the above
waggons 3 were burnt after taking out the horses,
also all their huts and what baggage could not be
brought off. The royal party did not lose a single
man upon this occasion and had only seven men
wounded and two horses killed.
May i". Friday. Wind at N. N. West, blowing
very fresh with small rain and very bleak raw weather.
2^. Wind S. E. and overcast.
3*^. At 6 this morning(Sunday)calm and fine weather.
I proceeded to the Jersies with the 55th and 63dRegt.
and 12 Philadelphia Horse and began the Defenses
on the Confluence of the Delaware and Cooper Creek
by 4 Redoubts and flanked by the Cornwallis Galley.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 489
Our Horse pursued some Rebels took one and cut an-
others arm off.
4*. Wind Northerly, the weather very fine. The
Hessians were reviewed on the Common by the Com-
mander-in-Chief. Simcoe's Rangers took two Rebel
Light Horse.
5*^. Weather extremely fine, wind at N. W. The Re-
bels intercepted a Corporal and 3 men of Hovenden's
Light Dragoons, which were taken prisoners out of
the Patrol of Six. Arrived 8 sail of Vessels from New
York and some victuallers from Cork with recruits, 14
men on their march to Billingsport to join the Royal
Army were apprehended by 7 of the Militia, but whilst
they were carrying them off to the rebel head quarters,
they seized on and disarmed their guards and brought
them prisoners to Billingsport and from thence to this
city.
6*. Wind Southerly, Excessive hot. Two or three
armed vessels. Letters of Marque sailed this day for
Antigua. My brother Robert sailed in one of them
to join the 48*** Regt at Grenada. Account in a Bos-
ton paper of a French Frigate ** La Sensible " Ma-
rigny Captain arrived in Casco Bay with Simeon Deane
and a treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive with
France and the Americans. Finished our Works in the
Jersies.
7*. Wind at E. N. E. weather very fine but dry.
Allen's and Clifton's Regt. of Provincials (the latter
Roman Catholics) crossed over into the Jersies to
join the 55th and 63d Regts. posted opposite this
city for the protection of the wood cutters. The 3d
Provincial Regt. Chalmer's, Encamped this day near
the Schuylkill between the Upper and Middle Ferry.
Arrived — Forage vessels from New York. The
Printed treaty between France and the Rebels in
America from a Rebel paper. Genl. Sir Henry
Clinton arrived this afternoon at Billingsport in the
Greyhound Frigate from New York. The Porcupine
Sloop of War arrived at Chester this Evening from
490 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
England which she left 25th of March last This night
2 Battalions of Light Infantry and 2 Galleys with Flat
Boats &c. proceeded up the Delaware to attack the
Remains of the Rebel Fleet. Foul wind fresh at N.
West this night. Thursday night 3 galleys, an armed
brig & Schooner went up the river with a detach-
ment of Light Infantry on each side and set fire to the
Washington and Effingham Frigates, a large ship
pierced for 24 guns, a privateer sloop, 9 Ships and 14
or 15 small vessels, all of which were consumed, also a
quantity of naval stores and some thousands of tent
poles, pegs &c. The house of Mr. Borden of Borden-
town, Mr. Kirkbrights and the Ferry house were by
some means set on fire and burnt to the ground. The
troops and vessels arrived on Sunday without loss.
8*. Wind N. N. West. Sir Henry Clinton arrived
in this city. Brig. Genl. Leslie with Hovenden's
Provincial Light Dragoons crossed the Delaware to
take command at Cooper's Ferry in the Jersies. The
Dispatches by the Porcupine came to the Head
Quarters principally for Lord Howe and Sir Henry
Clinton.
9*\ Wind N. West. Sir Henry Clinton visited the
lines. (Copied from a newspaper cutting in Journal).
" May 9. The following is a list of the General Offi-
cers now serving in the Rebel Army, with the order
in which they rank and the province to which they
belong. George Washington Commander in Chief,
Virginia. His commission dated June 15, 1775.
Major Generals Charles Lee June 17, 1775, Philip
Schuyler, New York June 19, 1775, Israel Putnam
Connecticut, Horatio Gates, Virginia, William Heath,
Massachusetts, Joseph Spencer, Connecticut, John
Sullivan, New Hampshire, Nathaniel Greene, Rhode
Island, William Earl of Sterling New Jersey, Thomas
Mifflin, Pennsylvania, Arthur Sinclair, Pennsylvania,
Adam Stephen, Virginia, (broke) Benjamin Lincoln,
Massachusetts Bay, Benedict Arnold, Connecticut,
Marquis La Fayette, France, Robert Howe, North
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 49 1
Carolina, Alexander McDougall, New York, Baron
de Call, Germany, Thomas Conway, France. Briga-
diers, Wm. Thompson, Pennsylvania, John Nixon,
Massachusetts, Samuel Parsons, Connecticut, James
Clinton, New York, Christopher Gadsden, South Car-
olina, Wm. Marryohall, South Carolina, Laughlin Mc-
intosh, Georgia, Wm. Maxwell, New Jersey, Mat-
thew Alexis, France, De Roche Fernoy, France,
Henry Knox, artillery Massachusetts, Francis Mc-
Nash, Massachusetts, Enoch Poor, New Hampshire,
John Glover, Massachusetts, John Patterson, Massa-
chusetts, Anthony Wayne, Pennsylvania, James Ver-
non, Rhode Island, Peter Mulenberg, Virginia, George
Weedon, Virginia, William Woodford, Virginia, Ed-
ward Hand, Pennsylvania, Ebenezar Learned, Mas-
sachusetts, Ichabod Huntington, Connecticut, Count
Pulaski, Poland, , , Stark, New Hampshire.
Sunday, May \o^. This morning at 5 o'clock wind
S. W. The Light Infantry 2d Battalion and Galleys
returned after having burnt the remains of the Rebel
fleet excepting the Galleys that were sunk, the rebels
lost by this Excursion 2 Frigates & upwards of 30
Sail of Topsail vessels, had 8 men killed & lost 4
pieces of Cannon & had several houses and Store-
houses burnt at Borden Town filled with military
Stores, Provisions, Salt, &c. &c. This morning by
order of his Excellency Sir Wm. Howe, I laid out
several works in the front of the lines, Picketted and
Lock spitted, in order to make appearance only to the
Enemy to answer Certain purposes, and acquainted
Sir Henry Clinton therewith and also respecting the
blowing up of Mud Island, which in my opinion should
be erazed and that I had proposed the same to Sir
William Howe, who had had it in contemplation and
had directed me to acquaint Sir Henry Clinton of it.
11^ Wind at W. N. W.
1 2*. Wind E. S. East fine weather, Markets plen-
tiful. State of our Rebel prisoners here and at New
York are just now about 4000 men.
492 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
13*. Wind at S. S. E. This morning I detached
Lieut. Haldane, Engineer, to New York in the Brune
Frigate to act with the Brigade there. The Packet
sailed this evening for Falmouth.
14^**. Wind W. N. West, weather very fine. Or-
ders this day for the heavy Baggage of this Army to
be in readiness to embark at the Shortest notice. The
heavy Cannon & shells, embarking on board of Ord-
nance Transports. 50 Rebel Deserters made their
Escape from Wilmington to this place.
1 5'**. Wind Westerly, weather very warm.
16*. Weather very hot, summer set in. At 2 this
morning the Light Infantry of Guards, a Detachment
of Light Infy ofthe Line & Simcoe's Rangers with a
few Dragoons in all about 400 were detached by 3 dif-
ferent roads with an Intent to cover the market people,
the party near Jenkins Town were fired on by some
Rebels who were pursued by us 3 miles, we killed 2
or 3 rebels and brought in 5 Prisoners. We had 2
Dragoons horses killed and one man wounded. The
Detachment at the Jersies had a centry fired on this
day near the Bridge, about 15 shots & fled. A few
smart Showers of Rain this morning which was much
wanted, a Fleet of about thirty sail arrived from New
York under Convoy of the Thames Frigate.
Sunday 17*. Wind N. E. fine weather.
18'**. Weather overcast, wind Easterly but cleared up
after noon, when an Entertainment called the " Mis-
chisanza'' was given by some officers in the Army as
a compliment to Sir Wm. Howe and by way of taking
leave of him before his departure for England, consist-
ing of a Regatta, Fete Champetre, Tilts and Tourna-
ments, Carosal, Procession through Triumphal Arches,
Dancing, Exhibition of Fire works, musick and Feast
19***. Weather very warm. At \ past 10 this even-
ing 2 Battalion British Grenadiers of Light Infantry,
Simcoe's Rangers with the Cavalry and ist and 2nd
Brigades, hence in order to cut off Le Marquis de Fay-
ette with 4000 men who had just taken Post there and
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 493
fled on the appearance of our Troops to the opposite
side of the Schuylkill by Matson's Ford after leaving
killed on the Field, one French officer and 5 more Reb-
els and 12 Prisoners. Un coup manqui in not having
cut off the Marquis which 'tis thought might have
been done.
20*^. Winds variable. The Remainder of the Army,
or rather the Gros marched out very early this morn-
ing, until 9 to support the great Detachment of last
night leaving only the Garrison at* Philadelphia, con-
sisting of three Brigades and Woelwarth's Hessian
Brigade. The whole army returned to Philadelphia
this Evening.
2 1". Extremely hot, but attended with a light Breeze,
wind Southerly.
22*^. Wind S. Arrived 2 Turtlers from the Bahama
Islands. Weather very warm.
Sunday 24*. At \ past one this afternoon his Ex-
cellency Sir Wm. Howe took his Departure from this
city for England, to the great regret of this Army.
Wind Southerly, and fresh. I attended him to Bill-
ingsport and returned to Philadelphia at night. Some
of the Redoubts were dismantled without my know-
ledge, x^xki^r unntilitary. Our ship of war arrived in
the Delaware from their Station in the Chesapeak
Bay, being recalled.
25*^. Wind Easterly & rather overcast but very hot.
At 9 o'clock this morning received a circular order
from Adjutant General's office but dated after orders,
ID at night, 24th May 1778.
" It is the Commander in Chiefs Positive Orders,
that the Baggage of the Army be Completely em-
barked by one o'clock to-morrow afternoon (meaning
for this day) the Transports being ordered to fall
down the River at that hour.
G. Hutchinson Deputy adjutant General.
Heavy rains with a Gust of wind most of this night.
494 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
The Inhabitants upon this sudden order assembled
and offered 3000 men if two of our army could be kept
to defend the city, as their Goods must be plundered
by the Rebels. The order for the Transports falling
down would not be complied with.
26*. Early this morning sailed from below Billings-
port for England the Andromeda Frigate — Brine Com-
mander in whom went General Sir William Howe.
Wind fair. Passengers with the General, Captain
Mulcaster Engineer, and aid-de-camp, Robert Mc-
Kenzie Esq. Secretary, and — Strachey Esq. M. P. and
Secretary to the Commission for restoring Peace.
Markets fallen off very much. Provisions ordered to
be carried with the Troops by land, is 20 days and 4
on their backs.
27*^. Nothing extraordinary. The number of souls
in the city of Philadelphia comprehending the Army,
seamen and the Inhabitants consist of 60.000. Captain
Smith Secretary to Sir Henry Clinton.
28'\ Very hard north wester and very cold, a differ-
ence of 40 degrees in the Thermometer from the warm-
est weather since the summer set in. Lord Howe
returned to this city this morning from the Eagle. At
2 this morning went out the 2 Battalion of Light In-
fantry 5th, 42d and 44th Regts. and 140 Dragoons to
surprize a body of Rebels supposed to be at German-
town, which got off. The 2 flank Companies of Guards
went at the same time to Frankfort Bridge. Sir Henry
Clinton went out to Germantown to meet the troops
with 20 Dragoons only. Families given in their names
to proceed with the army when they quit this city. This
day the Andromeda cleared the Capes of Delaware.
29'**. Arrived in the River the Perseus Frigate from
New York, arrived also the Greyhound Frigate who
had taken a French armed Ship of 22 Guns & another
Merchant men with lading for the rebels. Transports
daily falling down. Wind N. West & the weather
cold. Ships of war did not fire this day. The num-
ber of Horses belonging to our army are 7000.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 495
30*. Wind S. E. The 7th and 26th crossed the
Delaware to Cooper s Ferry in the Jersies to j'oin the
Corps posted there under the Command of Brig. Genl.
Leslie. This night arrived the Packet from England.
Transports falling down. Weather cold.
Sunday 31". Wind at East & Rain this whole day.
Transports falling down below the Chevaux de frises.
Weather so cold as to make fires. The Calculation
(by the returns to the Congress) of the Continental
Debt towards supporting the Rebellion in America to
this day May 31,1778 is ;^23.970.ooo.ios.7id, sterling.
yune i" Monday. Wind at E. S. E. & rain all this
day. The Consumption of Provisions for this army is
now upon the nicest calculation 300 Tons per week.
2^. Wind at N.East. weather variable. Vessels Drop-
ping down. This evening the 1 5th Regt. embarked
for Billingsport to join the Jersey Volunteers at that
Post.
3*^. Wind N. N. E. Several Ships fell down, amongst
the rest the Cadiz Packet At 3 this morning went
out a Corps to Chestnut Hill consisting of the Battal-
ion Light Infantry, all the cavalry and the 17th 27th
& 49th Regts. in order to cover the market people and
returned taken i Rebel Light horse and 3 Rebels. Ar-
rived the Phoenix 40 Gun Ship in the River from New
York. Redoubts dismantled of their Field train and
some Iron Garrison Tram 12 Pounders and some old
ones, sent all without my knowledge. This evening
Captain Hovenden about 8 o'clock, with a party of 24
Dragoons and Capt. Thomas with 14 foot left Philadel-
phia & passed into the county of Bucks & at the full-
mg mill of Mr. Jenks, surprised & took a guard of Con-
tinental troops on their post there, guarding a consider-
able quantity of cloth belonging to the poor people ot
the country of which they had been robbed by orders
from the rebel head quarters. This was performed
with the secrecy the principal design required, which
was to take another party, a small distance off without
firing a gun, which must have alarmed the other post,
49^ JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
they took prisoners the whole guard. Immediately
after they proceeded to Newton, surprised & took
the first Gentry without alarm. On approaching near
the quarters ot Major Murray they were fired upon by
the Gentry at his door. This alarmed the guard about
40 yards distance who, being 16 in number, & under
cover of the guard house, immediately took to their
arms and discharged their pieces on the troops sur-
rounding them, but such was their activity & alertness,
that, after returning the fire & before the enemy could
load a 2nd time, they stormed the house, killed 5,
wounded 4 & took the rest of the guard prisoners &
with them a considerable quantity of cloth then making
up by a number of workmen for the rebel army. All
this was done with so much secrecy conduct & brav-
ery, that none of either of the parties received the
least injury. About 6 o'clock the next evening they
returned, bringing with them the wounded & the fol-
lowing prisoners : Francis Murray Major of their stand-
ing army — Henry Marfit, Lieut, of militia — John Cox,
Ensign of their standing army — Carnis Grace, Ensign
of ditto — Andrew McMian, Ensign of Militia — Charles
Charlton, Quarter master of Standing army — Eriel
Welburn, Sergeant of ditto— James Moor, ditto of ditto.
24 Privates of ditto except one. Anthony Tate, a
Grand Juror.
4***. King s Birth day. Shipping fired, and Royal
Salutes from the Artillery Park. 1000 Grenadiers
went out this morning to Germantown, consisting of
1st Battalion British the rest Hessians. The Com-
mander in Chiefs dispatches closed this Evening, and
given to Capt. James Moncrief, Engineer. Ordered
with them to St. Augustin in the Perseus Frigate with-
out it being notified to me. Wind north East.
5*. This evening an account of the Commissioners
and Lord Cornwallis being arrived in the Riyer. Wind
Southerly. Should we suddenly leave this city there
will remain 127,000 Bushels of Salt.
6*. This morning at 1 1 o'clock arrived in this city
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 497
Lord Cornwallis and in the Evening after dark the 3
Commissioners vizt. Lord Carlisle, Mr. Eden, and
General Johnston. Wind S. E. and Rain in the night.
This morning at 2 o'clock 2 Brigades, 2 Battalions
Light Infantry, Simcoe's Rangers and some Cavalry
went to Chestnut Hill. We had 3 Light Infantry
wounded & 2 horses killed. The Rebels had 3 men
killed & 4 prisoners. Our Army now consists of 20.-
000 Effectives^ 17.600 fighting men.
Sunday June 7*. Wind at S. E. The Commission-
ers arrival in the night was announced by a Salute
this morning from the artillery Park. A very heavy
rain most of this day.
8*. Wind at W. The market people on their re-
turn from this city stopped by the rebels & the whole
branded W. H. Some Rebel Cavalry by accident
fell in with our Centry in the night on the Jersey Side
were fired on & missed. One of the inundating dams
gave way. Waggons all this night crossing the Dela-
ware from hence to the Jerseys.
9*. A Flag of Truce from the Rebels, likewise a flag
from us. At 2 this morning the 2 Regiments of Ans-
pach, Embarked and got in the tide below the Che-
vaux de frizes. Wind at W. N. W. This evening
the 46th Regiment embarked for Cooper's Ferry in
New Jersey opposite this city to join the Troops at
that Post.
io*\ Wind at S. W. This morning at \ past 5 a
Corps was sent towards Chestnut Hill under the Com-
mand of Brig. Genl. Matthew consisting of 2 Battalion
Light Infantry, the Brigade of Guards and their Light
Infantry and Grenadiers and the 4th Regiment accom-
panied with Sir Henry Clinton, Lord Cornwallis, and
Lord Carlisle. Mr. Ferguson, the Philosopher and
Secretary to the Commissioners went with a Flag of
Truce across the Schuylkill but was stopped at the
Rebels advanced Post by Morgan, who commands
the Rifle men, just 6 miles to the Rebel Camp at Val-
ley Forge. A Gust this evening and the wind round
32
498 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
to the N. West. The Perseus Frigate sail for St.
Augustine.
1 1'^. Wind at S. W. The hottest day felt this year.
The Lizard Frigate arrived from New York.
12^. Waggons crossing over to the Jersies from
hence all night and also the Park of artillery. No
waggons now left behind. Two deserters from the
Rebel Camp.
13*^. Wind at N. N. East, weather delightful. Ar-
rived the Cork Fleet of Victuallers with 500 Recruits.
This morning the Patrol of Provincial Cavalry were
attacked near the Post in the Jersies, we had i killed
and I wounded. The Rebels left 2 killed. All the
Intrenching Tools to be carried with the Army were
sent by me to Cooper's Ferry in New Jersey. Re-
mark. This army rather discontented since the De-
parture of Genl. Sir Wm. Howe and the new measures
received from the Ministry.
Sunday June 14*. Weather cool & pleasant Wind
at N. E. Seventy of our Prisoners exchanged and
arrived this day through the lines and an Exchange
of Rebel prisoners for them, sent from the Jails. Army
horses sent across the Delaware to the Jersies. The
several ships on the Stocks set fire to this day, by
which as the weather was dry and came round to the
Eastwards, set fire to the Houses about but was quickly
extinguished by the Troops.
15^**. Wind at N. N. E. All officers horses ordered
over to the Jersies. An Express arrived from Rhode
Island to Head Quarters with an account of an alert
from thence of 500 men under the Command of Lt
Col. John Campbell, 2 2d Regt. to Bristol and Warren
which they burnt together with 130 Flat boats, i
Galley & one Frigate, blew up two magazines, de-
stroyed 40 Cannon, killed several and brought off 3
Colonels, 2 Captains and 70 men. Our loss i officer
and 7 wounded, 2 Drummers missing. A Brigade of
Hessians embarked in flat Boats and crossed the Del-
aware into the Jersies as did the 33d in the night*
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 499
Arrived dispatches from New York by water in three
days.
1 6*. Wind S. W. weather very hot, tho' accom-
panied with a Breeze. The 2 Regts. of Dragoons
i6th and 17th crossed over from hence into the Jer-
sies leaving 2 troops of each. The 3 Commissioners
left this for the Trident Sloop of War. This city very
offensive, owing to the numbers, negligence and heat
and the plane it stands on. All the redoubts that
form the Line of Defence of this City dismantled of
their Field pieces, &c., before daybreak, but without
my knowledge. Lt Genl. Kniphuysen and the Hes-
sians and Hessian Grenadiers and Major Genl. Grant
crossed into the Jersies. The Hessian Grenadiers by
mistake, as they were to form part of the Rear
Guard.
17*. Lt. Genl. Kniphuysen took post at Haddon-
field. Rebel Deserters came in to us. Sent my pub-
lic papers by Monckton. This afternoon all the
Troops were at their alarm Posts and defences at 6
o'clock with orders not to look upon the city any longer
as their cantonment.
18* yune, 1778, Evacuation of Philadelphia.
18*. This morning early the Kings Troops evacu-
ated the city of Philadelphia and the several Redoubts
and works that form Its Defences and retired by land
to Gloucester point 4 miles below it on the Pennsyl-
vania Shore and there embarked in Flat Bottomed
Boats and crossed the River Delaware into New Jer-
sey at Gloucester, after which the armed vessels and
Flat Boats proceeded down the River to Billingsport
with a northerly wind and very fine weather, & at
Eleven o'clock this morning the Fleet then weighed.
Not being able to proceed with the army across the
Jerseys on account of a Rupture, I proceeded down
the Delaware in the Cadiz Packet and there em-
barked.
500 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
19*. Wind E. weighed at 7 this morning and an-
chored at I P. M. Rain from this P. M. all night.
The 15th Regt. were posted at Billingsport and hav-
ing sent 150 men to forage too far, they were inter-
cepted by a considerable body of the Rebels with 2
Field pieces and got to Red Bank and were taken off,
horses & all by the Vigilant's Boats she having for-
tunately got around near that place.
20^**. Wind at S. E. &c., a rainy day without Inter-
mission.
Sunday yune 2I•^ Wind S. W. The Eagle Lord
Howe and the Trident with the Commissioners fell
down from New Castle and joined the Fleet below
Reedy Island. Still at anchor. Intensely hot.
22**. Wind at N. E. At 7 this morning the whole
fleet weighed and sailed but at 10 A. M. they came to
an anchor Excepting the small craft, with the Division
under Convoy of the Richmond. Went on and some
time after a 2nd division with the Daphne Frigate.
Wind at night veered to the N. E. Rained most of
this day and all this night at anchor. Muddy bottom.
A Flag of truce from the Pennsylvania Shore just to
say that 500 Hessians were arrived at Philadelphia
to be Exchanged and mentioned that our army with
Sir Henry Clinton were at Mount Holly.
23**. Wind at S. E. All the Fleet remained at an-
chor. The men of war boats set fire to a discarded
Rebel vessel stranded on the West Shore. Two or
three Boats came off that shore with stock. This
river rather unhealthy for the Fleet, several having
fallen sick and many thrown overboard. The Har-
riet Packet sailed for Falmouth, convoyed by the Por-
cupine Sloop of War, who is likewise to proceed to
England with duplicates.
24*^. In General calm, what little wind Southerly. An
almost total Eclipse of the Sun from 8 until \ past 10
this morning, somewhat after 9, the most obscure.
The Maidstone towed down the Fleet. The Daphne's
Fleet off of Bombay Hook and just discernable at 10
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 5OI
o'clock P. M., fell down with the tide but scarce any
wind. The main fleet still remaining at anchor. This
afternoon and evening excessive hot, at 3 weighed
and in one hour anchored in 3 Fathoms of water,
wind died away, anchors all buried in the mud. Heavy
guns heard up the River.
25*. Three country Boats came off of the West shore
with Stock. At noon our Fleet weighed, consisting
of 1 20 sail under the Convoy of the Phoenix 40 gun
Ship and came to an anchor off of Bombay Hook at
3 P. M. in 7 Fathoms water, for want of wind. The
Eagle and Trident follow the Fleet but a small dis-
tance and came to. Some few artificers on board my
ship sickly, threw one overboard this evening a Black-
smith. Signal Smokes made on the parts of the Jer-
sey Shore, water muddy.
26*. Wind up the river from the Sea, notwith-
standing the weather, intensely hot. Artificers sickly
on board, sent a carpenter to one of the Hospital
Ships. Heavy guns heard below the River. Re-
mained at anchor all this Day and night very sharp
lightning. Thunder and rain this night.
27*. At 5 this morning a light wind at N. West.
Our fleet weighed and sailed but anchored again in ^
an hour after gaining about 3 miles. In the evening
the Eagle, Lord Howe, the Trident with the Com-
missioners, the Isis, Lizard and other Ships fell down
the River and joined our Fleet This is by far the
hottest day this summer.
28*^. Wind at N. W. At J past 5 this morning all
the Fleet sailed leaving none behind, and came too
off Lewis Town near Whorekill Road, excepting the
Eagle Lord Howe and the Trident with the Commis-
sioners which pursued their voyage to New York and
were out of sight by the evening. By the Rebels
prints 600 Rebels are acknowledged to have fallen in
the action of Freehold Court house. Remark. 350
Germans deserted from us during the march.
29*. At Break of day this morning the whole Fleet,
502 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
excepting the Roebuck (which was left on her station
in the Delaware) sailed, the wind S. S. E. and as
soon as we cleared the Cape May and Henlopen, the
wind veered to the S. West, a fine breeze of 5 or 6
knots which the Fleet continued all this day and night.
30* Wind still continued fair at S. W. & ran nearly
our Distance by 6 this morning, being from Cape
May to Sandy Hook 40 leagues. Made the High-
lands of Neversink about 10 & Steered for the Hook,
met the Scorpion cruizing. Found my old observa-
tion hold good of discovering the land as soon as in
15 Fathoms water. The whole Fleet came to an
anchor abreast of the Hook (on acct of the wind
failing & the Tide of Ebb at 3 o'clock P. M. & just
before day weighed again & soon after come too within
the Hook, found the Eagle & Trident at anchor &
Amazon frigate as a Guard Ship & a packet Extra
which arrived the day before with accounts of a French
Fleet having sailed & chased him, of 1 1 Sail of the
Line & a Frigate & that Admiral Bvron with 1 1 Sail
of the line and 2 Frigates were sailed from England
after them.
July i" 1778. Wednesday. My return to New
York. I arrived at New York. Wind Southerly^ —
the weather intensely hot. Thermometer 94 degrees.
Found at Anchor the Ardent Admiral Gambier, the
S Albans, Experiment and several Frigates &c and
Preston Commodore Hotham. Just learnt of the Battle
of Monmouth Court House in Jersey and that my
very valuable Friend and ever to be lamented Harry
Monckton fell in the action and what adds to the misfor-
tune no Tidings of my papers both private and public.
2°*^. The heat so extraordinary this morning, that 5
or 6 people fell dead but principally by drinking of
water. At 4 P M, a Gust sprung up, with high wind,
heavy rains, heavy thunder and sharp lightning which
struck a vessel and some persons and knocked down
a Chimney in the City besides oversetting some
Boats and all the people perished.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 503
3"*. Wounded officers and men brought to New
York from the Jersies — Large Detachments from the
Rebels sent Northerly to the English neighbourhood
under Gates.
4*. At 4 o'clock this morning, the Greyhound Fri-
gate Captain Dickson sailed hence from Sandy Hook
for England with dispatches and the answer to the
Commissioners from the Rebel Congress. This day
the Heavy Ships except the Ardent sailed towards
the Hook from hence. A violent storm in the ocean
which damaged Admiral Byron's Fleet as we since
learnt
Sunday July 5*. Wind — northerly — weather charm-
ing. Some Ships of war fell down to the Hook. At
6 o'clock this afternoon Sir Henry Clinton arrived in
this City and was saluted by the Guns from the Forts
he left the Army at the Neversinks in New Jersey.
6**". Wind S. W — The Troops all embarked on
board the Transports from the Jersies by the way of
Neversinks and so to the Point of the Hook, having
formed a Bridge across a Gut formed by the sea
this spring across this Tongue or Spit of Sand.
Disposition viz' — 3 Brigades to Long Island : 2 Bri-
gades and the Provincials to Staaten Island and the
Guards, Grenadiers, Light Infantry, Hessians Cavalry
and Park of Artillery to New York Island.
7* Julyy 1778. Excessive heat. Accounts of a
French Fleet having been seen off the Capes of Vir-
ginia. Supposed to be for Delaware to shut up this
Fleet and Army. This day Washington left Bruns-
wick with the Rebel army proceeding towards the
Hudson River.
8***. Wind South West Excessive heat. Ther-
mometer Farh' 94°. The large ships of war fell down
from the watering place to the Hook. This night
perhaps the hottest ever felt here. The Roebuck
man of war got into the Hook from Delaware after
escaping from the French Fleet.
9*. Wind Southerly and Excessive hot. This night
504
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
the rear of the Rebel Army under Washington passed
through Elizabeth Town and the Head Quarters to
be at Aquakenok. Sailed for Rhode Island the 38*^,
the 2 Battalions and Fanning s Regiment of Provincials.
10^. Wind Southerly and intensely hot. At 10 this
morning I attended Sir Henry Clinton and the Gen-
eral Officers to the Narrows both on Staaten and Long
Islands and gave my Project for the defending that
Pass, for preventing an Enemy's Fleet passing to New
York. Returned at night
11*^. Wind South west At ^ past 4 this afternoon
came on a violent gust with rain, lightning and Thun-
der which cooled the air a little, the Day being so ex-
cessive hot that it was difficult to exist, people fell in the
streets dead. This Evening an account of the French
Fleet coming to an anchor off of Sandy Hook, con-
sisting of 1 1 Sail of the Line and 3 Frigates,* they
took 12 out of 13 of our Fishing Boats. The Tender
of the Thunder Bomb drove into the French Fleet by
the Gust and was taken loaded. Represented to Sir
Henry Clinton at 1 1 this morning that every thing was
ready to begin the work at the Narrows. The 15*^ &
44* were detached to the Hook to act with the Navy.
Colonel Montgomery interred.
Sunday 12*. At 4 o'clock this morning Sir Henry
Clinton went from New York down to Lord Howe at
Sandy Hook — Wind at N. West. Weather pleasant
since the Gust. Between 5 & 6 pm the French fleet
hoisted French Colours for the first time since their
• List of the Toulon fleet off Sandy Hook under the Command of Count
lyEstaing.
guns men
Le Languedoc, D'Estaing 94 1 160
Le Tonnant, Bougainville 80 1 100
Le Cesar, Le Brave 74 900
Le Hector, Moliere 74 900
Le Guerrier 74 900
Le Protecteur 74 900
Le Marseilleis 74 900
Le Zele 74 900
Le Vaillant, DuLubin ... 64 700
La Provence 64
Le Fantasque 64
Le Sagittaire 54
L'Engageant 26
Le Chimere 26
Le Clement 26 300
Three Ships (names unknown)
Sent by Compte D'Estaing to the
river Delaware.
guns men
700
700
500
300
300
^•neh
FUtt the 22*
:^%.
• - . ^
:. *•
'■' ■ ••' • ■■•J?
.^
'firucUd thereon;
; the BrUi/h 8f
ftmand of ih;
Ju^ ijja.
4:
•M
\
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 505
appearance. Head Quarters at Denny's at the Nar-
rows on Long Island. French Fleet sounding the
Passage towards the Hook.
13* July 1778. Wind at North East. I detached
3 Engineers to Sandy Hook to construct 2 Batteries
w>r three 18 pounders and two Howitzers, with Tools
and materials, 400 men consisting of Grenadiers &
Light Infantry, put on board the men of war at Sandy
Hook. Provisions just now for this Army, consist of
sufficient only for nine weeks.
14*^. Wind North East. Weather pleasant and not
so hot. The Packet not gone, her course to be by
the Sound between Long Island and the Continent on
account of the French Fleet. The 57* proceeded from
New York Island to Paulus Hook. The Regiment of
New York volunteers from Paulus Hook to Brooklyn
and the 35* from Brooklyn to replace the 57*. Three
armed vessels ordered to Enfilade the causeway at
Paulus Hook, an attack being expected. I detached
3 Established Engineers to strengthen the Paulus
Hook by cutting a fosse across the neck.
15*. Arrived 800 Hessians at Staaten Island Ex-
changed. Wind S. W. Markets here raised at an
enormous rate.
16*. Wind Easterly, Excessive hot. Arrived on
York Island from Staaten the first Brigade. I de-
tached an Assistant Engineer to King's Bridge.
French fleet took 2 more vessels in our sight. Sir
Henry Clinton changed his Head Quarters from the
Narrows to New York.
I7'\ Wind East and something cooler. Two regi-
ments of first Brigade, marched to Laurel Hill and 2
to Morris' Heights and the 2 Battalions 71" to King's
Bridge and some battering cannon. The Leviathen
formerly the Captain a ship of the line fitting up here
as such. The 2^ & 5* Brigades to hold themselves in
readiness at one minutes warning.
i8*\ Wind South East Weather pleasant but dry.
Received a letter this night from the Commanding
506 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
officer at Sandy Hook wanting Engineer's Tools and
materials. Sir Henry Clinton went early this morning
towards the Hook. The Channel Fleet have now taken
Eleven sail of our vessels besides the Fishing Craft.
Sunday — \^^. Wind South East — weather pleas-
ant. At one P. M. a gentle Rain much wanted. At
5 pm. the tide made. Sent to Sandy Hook 2 En-
gineers and Sir Henry Clinton returned to New York
at 2 this morning. Twelve deserters came in, princi-
pally from the Northern army having enlisted for that
purpose.
20^^ July 1778. Wind North. Seven deserters and a
Dragoon in from the Rebels at Elizabeth Town where
they left 4 Brigades with Maxwell and Morgan. This
night one Captain, two sub-alterns and 23 Rebels sur-
prized and taken from Delancey's Mills West Chester.
21". Wind Northerly in the morning and South
East all the afternoon. The Dispatch Sloop of War
passed through the Sound by the City and to the
Hook. Sailed for the Hook from this place the Levi-
athen of 70 Guns fitted up at the King's yard. Ar-
rived accounts of our success at Wyoming.
22°**. Wind at East and chilly. Sir Henry Clinton
went from York to Staaten Island. 1 50 Prisoners Ex-
changed & arrived here from Connecticut. Weather
rather cold The French Fleet weighed and sailed
out of sight of land steering Eastwards the swell so
great left most of his anchors behind.
23"^ Wind North East — weather cool. 150 more
of our people exchanged and arrived by way of Con-
necticut. Arrived thr^ the Sound 15 Transports from
Rhode Island that lately took the Reinforcements
there. Their approach creating an alarm, a Battery
was erected at Horen's Hook near Hell Gate. Sent
an Engineer likewise to Staaten Island to make a
redoubt near the Flag Staff.
24^**. Wind Northerly in morning and Southerly in
afternoon. French Fleet seen off the Capes of Dela-
ware this evening by our cruizers.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 507
25***. Wind North East all the morning and South-
erly all the afternoon, but very fine. Arrived in this
city Lord Howe from the Fleet at Sandy Hook and
returned this night. Arrived the Dispatch, nothing
transpired. Return of the Sick in the General Hospi-
tal consists of Eight hundred and Fifty Men.
26'^ July — Sunday. Wind at S. E. The weather
delightful. Arrived the Renown 50 gun ship from
Jamaica. The French Fleet made signals in the night,
they were answered similarly and so escaped. The
mail made up for the Packet for England.
2^^. Wind South — somewhat Easterly and rain this
night Wind rather high. Two private victuallers
got in from Cork. Account of the Tories and Indians
with some regulars from Detroit taking the Rebel Fort
at Wyoming and Killing 374 out of 400 Inhabitants.
28"** July — 1778. Wind S. E. and fresh with smart
showers of Rain. Come to an anchor within the
Hook — the Raisonable — 64 Gun Ship from Halifax.
About 100 Rebel Light Horse drove off Cattle from
Bergen Neck. Captain Mercer of the Engineers told
me this morning that Sir Henry Clinton had no objec-
tion to my going to England.
29*. Wind East. Commander in Chief went from
New York to Sandy Hook, at 4 this morning and re-
turned this night.
30^**. Southerly winds and heat Arrived the Corn-
wall, 74 Guns which parted with Admiral Byron's
Squadron 50 leagues from this Coast — also arrived the
Centurion 50 Guns from Halifax. A Legion now rais-
ing of 700 men under the Command of Lord Cathcart.
31*^ Wind S. East. Heavy Rain early in the morn-
ing but the Day excessive hot. The 23'*^ Regiment
ordered on board the Ships of War. This night in-
tensely hot and close. The Rebels have detached
4500 men from their Grand Army at and about the
White Plains to proceed to the Eastward. This night
I received my verbal leave by Lord Cathcart from Sir
Henry Clinton Commander in Chief for to proceed to
508 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
England, as soon as I pleased. The Flank Corps of
the Army ordered to be Re-Embodied.
August i", Saturday. Wind South West — weather
extremely hot though attended with a Breeze. Sir
Henry Clinton went this Evening to Jamaica on Long
Island to fix Head Quarters for some Days. This
night Horribly Hot. The packet sailed from the Hook.
August 2^ Sunday. Wind S. E. The heat exces-
sive, as if through a Focus. The French Fleet seen
at an anchor off the East end of Long Island. Late
this night the packet from England. The highest of
Thermometer this summer 95 degrees.
3'^ Wind at S. W. At ^ past one this morning
a Fire broke out in this city, at a ship chandlers on
the Dock near the old Slip Market which consumed
64 Houses, three topsail vessels and several. Store
Houses with stores the whole loss supposed to be
250,000;^. The weather excessive hot, notwithstanding
the Gust this morning and this afternoon with very
heavy rain. The 5*^ Brigade crossed from Hallet's Cove
to this Island.
^ Augusty 1778. Wind South and hot and close.
At one o'clock pm a gust of rain and small wind with
Thunder and lightning which struck an Ordnance ves-
sel loaded with Powder which blew her up.
5*. Wind S. S. E. Weather pleasant. Heavy dew
this night which has been hitherto uncommon for this
season. The lightning struck 13 vessels in the har-
bour.
6*. Wind northerly — morning pleasant, but the day
hot. Arrived this evening an Express from Major
General Pigot from Rhode Island to Sir Henry Clin-
ton dated the 3*^ and that he was invested by the
French Fleet and 30,000 Rebels and expected the
Rebels would open their Batteries against him, on this
day. Lord Howe with the Royal Fleet consisting of
3 1 sail, weighed again and proceeded with a fair wind
to attack the French Fleet at Rhode Island.
8***. Hotter if possible than ever — wind at S. S. E.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 5O9
This morning went out from hence across to New Jer-
sey by the way of Paulus Hook, a Flag of Truce with
a letter to the President of the Rebel Congress from
the Commissioners. This morning arrived the Rebel
Commissary General of Prisoners. A smart shower
of rain with Lightning and Thunder.
9*** Sunday. Weather excessive hot — wind at S.
West — very heavy rain in Showers with smart Light-
ning and very heavy thunder. Severe claps with the
Lightning which struck nine men of Lord Cath-
cart's Legion in one Room, two of which despaired of.
Most of the afternoon continued heavy claps and very
sharp lightning with much rain. Never known such
weather, by the oldest inhabitant.
10*. Wind northerly. Less heat. Town rather un-
healthy. Eleven burials to one Church and of in-
habitants chiefly but most of them Children. Wind
N. E. in afternoon. The Troops evacuated the Post
at Sandy Hook and proceeded to Long Island all but
3 Companies of Jersey Volunteers.
11***. Wind very fresh at N. E, cool, chilly and
overcast. Arrived Express the "Zebra" from Lord
Howe's Fleet. This evening blowing hard. An Ex-
press from S Augustin signifying that the Rebels are
repulsed there & that they have given over all
thoughts of attacking that place. A Flag of Truce
from the Rebels came in. Smith the Counsellor and
Mr. Cadwallader Colden sent in for not taking the oath.
12* August, 1778. A mere tempest most all day, at
N E and rain which abated towards night Rather cold
than cool this evening. Sold my Sloop and Schooner
to Captain Mercer and Mess" Guden and Crowder.
13*. From Midnight a violent Gale at N. N. E with
heavy rain, weather cold for the season and very
uncomfortably so. Arrived the Sphynx with Bomb
Catches and a Galley from Lord Howe's Fleet.
14*. Wind E. S. E. weather moderate, the wind still
blowing but not near so high — very little Dew this
season.
510 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
15*. Wind N. East and rain and Foggy — heavy
rain all night. Wind fresh. Date of Lieu* Samuel
Auchmuty's Commission which I purchased for him
and paid to Lieu* Hamilton 45* this day.
Sunday 16***. Wind at N E and moderated. Very
foggy heavy rain in the morning and misty the remain-
der of the day. The Commander in Chief left New
York at 7 this morning for Long Island and the Ar-
tillery of the Grenadiers and Light Infantry followed
him. Our army at New York and its Dependencies
and that at Rhode Island consist of Twenty five
Thousand Men.
17*^. Wind at S. East, foggy — great heat — close
and frequent showers. Came in 3 Light Horse deserted
from the Rebels. The Battalion American Loyalists
embarked on board of Transports from Flushing.
This evening arrived July packet from Falmouth.
The ** Experiment " with Two Frigates sailed for Rhode
Island.
18*^. Wind S. E, Excessive hot, little air and fre-
quent small showers. Frigates now in the Sound or
off Flushing — Carysfort — Camilla — & Zebra.
ig'^. Wind S. by E — very hot, thunder and light-
ning and rain. Isis 50 Gun ship, that beat the French
Rear Admiral, came up to Town to Refit. Accounts
from Rhode Island that 4000 men with Fayette &
13.000 with Sullivan had landed at the East end with
50 Cavalry.
20*. Wind S. E and excessive hot — Rain and some
Thunder and a great deal of heat Lightning. The
Regiment of New York Loyalists embarked on board
the Frigates at Flushing, ordered to disembark and
take up their old Ground.
21". Wind S. S. E. An almost expiring heat.
The 23** Light Infantry that were on board the Isis,
are ordered on board the " Monmouth." The weather
for some time past has consisted of heat and rain.
Wind in afternoon South South West.
22"** August — 1778. Wind N. E. A strange tran-
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 5II
sition from the heat of yesterday, to its being rather
cool to day. The Hospitals rather encrease which
is not very uncommon at this season. The general
calculation made of the sick in our Military Hospitals
is that seven men die out of every hundred. This
day arrived the "Experiment" 50 gun Ship, through
the Sound chased from Sea by some of the French
Fleet. In consequence Sir Henry Clinton went from
hence to Lord Howe at Sandy Hook at ii, this night.
23'^ Wind S. E. and cool — Commander in Chief re-
tired from the Hook. Deserters daily Come in. Two
fire ships went from New York to Sandy Hook.
24*. Wind S. S. West — The Royal Fleet under
Lord Howe sailed from the Hook. Skirmish this
morning between Emmerick's Chasseurs and some
Indians and Rebels dressed like them near Kings
bridge — 9 were killed and 2 taken — we had 2 men
wounded. Two sloops as Flags of Truce loaded
with Inhabitants from the country that have refused
the Test Oath. Weather intensely hot. Lieu' Hart
46''' Assistant Engineer joined his Reg* by order of
Major Gen* Vaughan. The 1 5^^ and 46^** Reg** marched
to Utrecht from Bedford in order to embark. Several
deserters from the Rebels.
25'\ Came in 3 deserters. The 15* and 46* Coun-
termanded and returned to their Ground. Wind
Southerly and excessive hot. Thermometer in the
night 88°. — Some Rebel Light Horse came to Phillips
house near King s bridge — 3 were shot by the Ya-
gers. An Express arrived from Rhode Island — letters
dated 22** — This evening arrived the fleet of Victual-
lers from Corke in most Excellent time, as this army
had but 5 weeks provisions left, and this Fleet had
been at Reedy Island in Delaware river, in a mistake
not having been informed of our evacuating Philadel-
phia though they left Corke so late as the 31" March.
26*^. Wind South South West — weather amazingly
hot. Thermometer in the night 88 degrees. The
Troops for the intended Expedition marched from
512 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Bedford to Flushing. The heat was such that 9 fell
dead in this march and 63 left behind with sickness,
they consist of near 4000 men including i*' Battalion
Grenadiers and i" Batt° Light Infantry. Thermome-
ter at mid-day 94 degrees.
27^ August 1778. Wind at North west — and some-
what cooler in the morning but intensely hot in the
day. Several deserters from the Rebels. The Troops
sailed from Flushing after 5 this morning. The Troops
more sickly than usual, the same of the Inhabitants, 'tis
thought by the faculty to be owing to the bad flour.
28*. Wind N. East weather much cooler. This
Day arrived two private Victuallers from Glasgow
after 13 weeks passage, much wanted. Arrived six 74
Gun Ships being part of Admiral Byron's squadron.
29*. Wind at E. N. E. Overcast all day. After-
noon rain. Blew fresh all most of the night.
Sunday 30*. Wind at South by East — weather ex-
cessive hot in the Sun. Wind South by noon and
fresh at S. West all the afternoon. Arrived the
*' Nautilus " man of War with Dispatches from Rhode
Island. All well there. The 28'^ in the evening the
Enemy still beseiging it. This evening the whole of the
Rebels raised the seige and evacuated Rhode Island.
31''. Wind at N. N. W — and rather cold and chilly
— a sudden transition. This day the Rebels sent a
detachment to attack the Yagers' outpost in the Front
of Spiten Devil near King's Bridge, which was obliged
to be re-inforced by the rest of the Yagers. This
day at two o'clock Sir Henry Clinton arrived with
near Four Thousand Troops at Rhode Island.
September i" 1778. * * * * Some Prisoners
and one Indian brought into town, taken at the affair
yesterday at Valentine's Hill.
3'**. Sir Henry Clinton landing his troops on Rhode
Island and the Rebels had evacuated it, Saturday and
Sunday.
y^. At 10 this morning. Sir Henry Clinton arrived
in this city from Rhode Island in the "Galatea" to
JOURNALS OF C APT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 513
Huntington and from thence by land, on the rebels
raising the seige and about to evacuate that Island a
detachment was sent after them under the Commands
of Brig' General Losberg and Smith with the 22"*^ and
43"* Regiments — Regiment of Hind's — and Fanning s
and Brown's Provincial Corps who pursued the Reb-
els several miles but night coming on the Rebels em-
barked and our Troops returned. Our loss killed &
wounded 265 men — Rebel loss since their landing to
their flight 1003 men.
September 12*^ 1778. This day Lord Howe resigned
his command to Admiral Gambier, whose commission
was filled the Eleventh of September.
i6'\ This morning the Rebel Army with Washing-
ton retired from the White Plains — 3 Brigades of
which went to New England — part crossed the North
river to Morristown and some to Fish-Kill where
Washington went.
I9'^ Eight of the rebel Light Horse were patroling
about Tuckahoe near the Bronx and were surprised
by some of Emmerick's corps, they took 7 and mor-
tally wounded the Eighth. This day arrived Major
General Grey from his Expedition — the last to Mar-
tha's Vinyard where he took 10.000 sheep, 300 head
of Cattle, besides Hogs and 400 stand of arms and
1000 pounds in Paper, Congress Tax — 6000 of the
Sheep were sent to Rhode Island which the Garrison
were much in want of.
28*. A rebel Regiment of Lighthorse surprized
and cut to pieces near Tappen by the 2°** Light Infan
try — this choice and pattern Regiment was com-
manded by Colonel Baylor and called Lady Washing-
ton's Regiment and Washington's Guards and third
Virginia Regiment of Horse.
October 6**". I continued very ill and a Fistula com-
ing on peu i peu.
7*\ My wounds breaking out and the old Ball
lodged in me, ready to start: besides a dreadful
Hydrocele, in short my existence rather doubtful,
33
514 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
should my complaints encrease for want of proper
assistance.
8*. My restless ball rather quieter, but the Hydro-
cele distressing me beyond description.
October \q(^. The Fleet for England one hundred
and Twenty two sail weighed and at \ past Eight, put
to sea.
November 20* 1778. At a quarter before 12 this
night cast anchor in the Cove of Cork in 32 days from
Sandy Hook.
25*. Left Cork (by Land) for Dublin and arrived
at Kilworth.
26*. Reached Cashel.
27*. Castle Durrow.
28^^. Kildare.
29*\ Dublin.
December 7**". Left Dublin this afternoon and got to
the Pigeon House and laid or rather remained at that
distressed place all night without one single conve-
niency and with my Family and servants and some
Baggage. No Glass to the Windows — it blowing a
Tempest and the sea breaking over it.
8*^. Embarked in the Packet Lord Dartmouth Cap-
tain Hartwell & were very near losing our lives in
getting on board owing to the Tempest which then
blew and remained the whole day and night on board.
9*\ At 3 o'clock this morning sailed from off the
Pigeon House in Dublin Harbour and at 3 in the after-
noon most happily arrived safe (and immediately
landed) at Holy Head on the Island of Anglesey in
Wales.
ID**". Reached Bangor.
11^ S Asaph.
12'*'. Chester.
13*. Turnhill in Shropshire.
14*^. Birmingham.
15^**. Remained at Birmingham this day to see the
various manufactories.
16*. Chapel House in Oxfordshire.
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 515
17* Oxford and went thr** all the Universities.
i8^ Put up at Bennett's Town.
19*. Saturday. This evening at 5 o'clock arrived at
our Lodgings the Corner of S' James Street and Pall
Mall.
20*. Sunday — Rested.
21". Attended the King s Levee and kissed hands.
Attended also the Levee of the Commander in Chief
of the Forces Lord Amherst
24*. Attended at the Drawing room and had the
honor of kissing the Queen's Hand, as had Mrs.
Montr^sor who was presented by Lady Stormont.
John Montr6sor, Chief Eng"".
[Another account of the Battle of Brandywtney taken
from Captain John Montrdsor s Note-Book^
*' Field of Battle upon Brandywine 12th September,
1777. Memorandum. Our Army under the com-
mand of General Sir William Howe landed at Elk
Ferry, within 7 miles of the head of Chesapeake Bay
on the 25 August, 1777, and one division marched on
to the Head of Elk the 28th August & another divi-
sion on the 30th and 31st August crossed the Elk to
Cecil Court House in the East side and joined the
1st division on the 3d ot September, 4 miles from the
head of Elk by the lower road to Christian Bridge leav-
ing 2 Brigades with Major Genl. Grant at Elkton to
secure the landing of our Provisions and to destroy
the Rebel Magazines and vessels. On the 3d Sep-
tember our Light Troops had a smart action with
about 1 200 of their picked men of 1 20 from their 10 Bri-
gades detached to harass us on the march. They
had near them 1000 militia and the Philadelphia Light
Horse which soon disappeared, the whole under the
Command of General Maxwell which were entirely
defeated, leaving dead 2 Captains, one of Artillery
and several men ; their loss they acknowledge to be
very considerable, whereas we lost only 3 men and 1 7
5l6 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
wounded Nothing material happened until the 6th
when Major General Grant joined us with a supply of
Provisions. The 8th September, all the Army marched
to Newark and encamped that night on the road
which leads from Newport to Lancaster just 4 miles
from Newport and where the Quarters of the Rebel
army was posted and in the night the Enemy made a
move across Chads Ford on the Brandywine & took
post upon the heights with great judgment About
sunset on the 9th our Army marched in 2 Divisions,
the first under Lt. Genl. Kniphuysen rather earlier by
the way of New Garden to Kennet Square and the other
Division with Lord Comwallis through a bye Road to
Hokesson Meeting House in Mill Creek Hundred and
New Castle County and on the loth the whole joined
at Kenneths Square, On the nth September at day-
break accompanied with a very favourable fog, all
the heavy artillery and baggage went with the column
under Lt General Kniphuysen along a straight road
to Chads-Ford, Lord Cornwallis leading the other
columns a forced march of 1 7 miles in order to turn the
Enemy's right, which was wisely and happily effected
at i past 2 in the afternoon, most unexpectedly to the
rebels, who were instantly obliged to divide their army
(leaving part to oppose our right column) and took a
most advantageous position on the heights in the rear
of Birmingham meeting house, with the village of Dil-
worth on their Right and notwithstanding the long fa-
tiguing sultry and dusty days march and strong post of
the Enemy had taken the ardour of our most Excellent
Troops was such that at i past 3 (only having halted
and refreshed one hour) we marched forward in 3 col*
umns into a valley and gradually as it were rose, a
regular Glacis to the Enemy, during which we had
some skirmishing and fire from the rebels until we
had surmounted the summit, when our army cooly re-
ceived the Enemy's fire and instantly charged them
when the whole was put to the Route and in the end
compleatly defeated and nothing but night prevented
the victory being compleat, as under that cover they
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
517
principally made their Escape. As soon as our right
column heard us engaged they crossed Chads ford
forced the Enemies breastworks and strongholds and
put them to the flight and we encamped on the field
of Battle, the left of the right column making a junc-
tion with the right of our left column, with the 40th
Regt. and Guards. The Enemy's loss is about 1000
killed and wounded and about 500 prisoners, to-
gether with 9 Branfield pieces, one more of a composi-
tion and one Brass Howitzer with several ammunition
waggons, their numbers from their field returns under
General Washington with 4 Major-Generals, Green,
Sullivan, Stephen, and Lord Sterling, were 12.900 men
being 43 Battalions of 300 men.
" Our left column with the Commander in Chief,
which was principally Engaged consisted of 7000
men, composed of the Chasseurs, two Battalions
Light Infantry, 2 Battalions of Grenadiers, the Hes-
sian Grenadiers, two Squadrons of i6th Dragoons,
the Guards, and 3d and 4th Brigades, the 3d Brigade
not in action being our reserve. The Loss we have
sustained is trifling when compared to that of the
Rebels having about 60 killed and 300 wounded."
Distribution of the Corps of Engineer s^ 11'* June^
1777, Brunswick.
Captain Montr^sor
Lieu' Pitts
Lieu' Haldane
Lieu' Sprule
Captain Niqhol ) Draughts-
Ensign Wheeler J men.
Captain Moncrief
Lieu' Fyer
Lieu' Sutherland
Ensign Valiancy
Lieut' ant Parker
y Commander-in-Chief.
Commander-in-Chief.
Lord Cornwallis.
Brunswick.
Amboy.
5i8
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
Division of the Rebel Army taken front a paper found
on the Field of Battle at Birmingham Meeting-
House, September nth, 1777.
Virginia,
1st Reid*s
5th Hendrick's
9th
13th
2d Spotswood's
6th
loth
14th
5 Marshall
7
II
15
4 Lawson
8
12
Grayson*s
Patton*s
X Corps.
Maryland.
1st
3d
6th
I Lower Connties,
Delaware
2d
4th
7th
German Battl.
Pennsylvania,
I
2
7
10
Hartley *s CorpSw
Pennsylvania,
4
5
8
II
Pennsylvania,
3
6
gpenccr's Corps,
Jersey.
I
2
3
Virginia,
1st Brigade
General
Muhlenbnrgh
2d Brigade
Genersd
Weedon
3d Brigade
General
Woodford
4th Brigade
General
Scott
Maryland.
I St Brigade
General
Small wood.
2d Brigade
General
De Borr^.
Pennsylvania.
1st Brigade
' General
Wayne
General
Green.
General
Stephen.
General
Sullivan .
Pennsylvania,
2d Brigade.
General
de Haas
General
Lincoln
3d Brigade
' General
Conway.
Jersey.
Jersey Brigade
General
Maxwell.
General
\ Fred.
Sterling
General
George
^ Wash-
ington.
Recapitula-
turn,
15 Battl.
Virginia.
2 Light
Corps, Vir-
ginia.
6 Battl
Maryland.
1 German
Battl Mary-
land.
12 Battl
Pennsyl-
vania.
2 Light
Corps, Penn-
sylvania.
' I Battalion,
Lower Coun-
ties, Dela-
ware.
4 Battl
Jersey.
43 Battal-
ions. Total
being about
300 men in
each, makes
Rank and file
12.900 men.
J
y II
JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR. 519
{^From Note-Book.'\ *'My Proposals to Sir Wm. Howe
for the storming of the Rebel Fortress of Mud Island,
and to head and direct it, November, 1777. John
Montr isor, Chief Engineer.
An arrangement for a general attack on the Fort on
Mud Island, 6th November, 1777.
The Batteries as follows : Middle Battery, ^
one 8-inch Howitzer, one 8-inch Mortar. Bat-
tery adjoining Middle Battery, six 24 Pound-
ers ; Right or lower Battery, one 8-inch
Howitzer, one 8-inch Mortar ; Mortar Batt^
one 1 3-inch Mortar for lb. shot and carcases.
Pest House Batt^ of 2 Medium 12 Pound- ^
ers, together with an Iron 18 Pd' can only [
serve to protect the passage and annoy the [ ^
Fort, and 2-32 pounders. J
2 Floating Batteries with 2-32 pound-
ers in each 2
A vessel carrying 24 Pd*", 3 Vigilant 24
P', 9 two Pd', 6 four Pd', 19
— 21
and two light 1 2 Pd' advanced on the lower
wharf at the north point of Schuylkill. 2
—39
The 2 Medium 12', and the Rebel 18 Pd' will occa-
sionally amuse the shipping to prevent their falling
down and firing (th° at great range) at our Boats or
floating Batteries.
Guns the Enemy have mounted to oppose, and
whose Direction comprehends the attack from Car-
penter's Island.
On West Block house . . 18 Pounder No. 2
Upper do do . . 9 do above i
Centre do do . . 9 do below i
Lower do do Port Holes but no
guns visible o
One very oblique Embrasure in the
mud Bank o
520 JOURNALS OF CAPT. JOHN MONTRESOR.
[Then follows a list of articles necessary, as 20
scaling ladders for the escalade of 15 feet 10, and 16
feet 10 inches, fascines, 4 bridges of 22 and 24 feet
span, etc., etc.]
Direction of the Fire from the Batteries for the attack
for the 1st day, 9th Nov. 1777.
Batteries on the left above the stream
at the Upper Block House 8-inch Howitzer i
at the 2 Gun Battery on the Dam 24 Pounders 3
at the Middle Block House 34 do 2
( at the Lower do do 24 do 2
\ at the do do do 8-inch Howitzer i
Into the Body of the Fort 8-inch Mortars 2
For throwing of Carcases 1 3-inch do i
pieces of ordnance 12
IV.
APPENDIX.
t
f
9
APPENDIX.
I.
List of the New Establishment of Engineers — i** April —
1759-
[From the MS. of Colonel Jambs Montr^sor.]
Chief Engi-
neer & Colo-
nel 27 shil-
: lings & 6
pence per
day
William Skinner
Engineers
Extraordina-
ry and Cap**
Lieut"** at
6/ per day
No. 12
Directors and ( Jq^h Henry Bastide
Lieu*
20A
Col
p
ames Montresor
Sub Directors
i ]
^Wm Cunningham
^ „ . J Archibd Patoun Sub Engl-
and Majors^ Patrick Mackellar "i^J^]^^ ,^"„^
— m/*. T T> Lieut"** 4/0.
(James Branian
"Wm Green
Mathew Dixon
Wm Eyres
Geo. Morrison
John Archer
Geo. Weston
1 Harry Gordon
John Brewse
Hugh D ebbing
John Baugh
Rich** Dawson
Rich** Dudgeon
Engineers in
ordinary and
i Captains 10/
per day
Engineers
Exraordina-
I ry and Cap**
Li eut"** at
' 6/ per day
j^No. 12
Wm Bontein
Cha* Hub* Harriot
Tho" Walker
\ Ad>" Williamson
Tho» Sowers
Tho* Williamson
John Williams
Practitioner
Engineers
and Ensigns
at 3/8.
fGeo. Garth
John Phipps
Wm Spry
Wm Dundass
Rob* Geo Bruce
' Augustus Dumford
David Dundass
Tho* Bassett
Wm Roy
Cha* Tarrant
Jn° Christ' Eiser
Ric^ MuUer
The" Lefanu
Archib** Campbell
Patrick Ross
Jn** Montresor
Tho* Craskell
Henry Watson
Sam* Beardsley
'Robert Morse
Jo« Heath
Abrah" Daubant
Frcd"^ Mulcaster
Elias Dumford
Wm Green
Alex' Mercer
Andrew Frazer
John Mar
Gilbt Townshend
Archib^ Robertson
Daniel Slack
524 APPENDIX.
II.
General Abstract. The late Col*^ James Montresor in acc^
WITH THE Crown during his Command in North America
AS Chief Engineer.
Dr.
For Services performed and to Amounts received
per Warrants in Sterling at 4/8 per Dollar jCS9'SS^'^^'7
>^59-55o.i8.7
Cr.
As per Abstracts of Expenditures.
At Fort Edward. ;^i4.6o4.i3. 9'
At " George 5.286.19. 4
At " William Henry 4.415. 13.10
At " Albany 14.176.15.11^^
Occasional Engineers Pay 1.2 14.15. i
Stores and M' Mendez Pay i5-33o. 9. 5
Posts on the Hudson's River, 2.943. 16. 9'
do. do. Mohawk do i. 418.10. 5
Balance paid, by Sir Jeffrey Amherst's order to Cap'
Debbing who succeeded in the Command at
Albany on Col Montresor's leaving America. . . 159. 3. 11'
>^59-55o.i8. 7
III.
LiEXjT. John Montresor to Sir Jeffrey Amherst.
Boston February 26% 1760
Sir.
I have the honour of acquainting you of my arrival yesterday to
this place in 31 days from Quebec — 26 of which were in the woods
the other 5 on my journey hither. My escort was one officer, two
Serjeants and ten rangers, all but 2 got in with me safe to the set-
tlement of Topsham near Fort Brunswick on Ammerascaegen
River, one of which was froze past recovery about 200 miles in the
woods, the other just capable of moving about 30 miles to whom I
APPENDIX. 525
sent relief. We were 13 days without bread and 11 without meat,
owing to the little knowledge we had of the distance we had to go
and the difficulties to encounter. 1 left the party at Topsham to
recover, being very feeble and scarce any flesh on their bones,
having been as well as myself obliged to subsist by eating our In-
dian shoes, Bullet pouches and all the spare leather we brought,
with Berries, buds, Bark & boiled mountain tea, I left Brig' Gen-
eral Murray and the troops in good health. I brought no letters
from him to you but what are Blinds being his second attempt. My
orders from him, that I hope speedily to have the honour of Com-
municating to you are verbal the reason for my presuming to take
this liberty is on account of an Express, just proceeding for New
York, and as it is impossible I should be as capable at present of
dispatch as fresh men and that there may be several accounts trans-
mitted from hence by that means I thought it a duty incumbent on
me to take the first occasion of acquainting you that 1 intend to
halt this day both for the recovery of my health (as my joints feel
almost dislocated) and to prepare myself for the continuation of
my journey. I left Quebec the 26*** day of January, crossed the
river S* Lawrence in Canoes through & over the ice to Point les
Peres, from thence marched into the woods and cut through the
village and concessions of S' Charles, from thence Struck S and by
West upon the river Chaudiere — a few miles above the village of
Nouvelle Basse, from thence to the Forks of Chaudiere, continuing
on the southern Branch till we arrived at the Notch of the Allegany
Mountains, till I arrived at the Great Chaudiere Pond, still keeping
the same course, passed the height of land down to the little Chau-
diere pond, passed the carrying place and struck on a stream or
Branch of Ammerascaegen River which I followed till I arrived at
the settlement of the Township of Topsham,
I have the honour Sir &c &c &c John Montresor.
[After the short rest at Boston, Lieut, Montresor proceeded to New
York, where he addressed a letter to the Board of War under dale of
March 1 1, 1 760, from which the following is an extract :]
" I left the troops in health (in Canada) and the garrison in a
posture of defence, we having taken post at the village of S' Foix,
6 miles to the Westward of the town and also at Ancienne Lorette,
another village somewhat more to the Northwards about 8 miles by
fortifying a Stone Church each place, one containing 100 regular
troops and the other 150 besides a patrole of Rangers which covers
our wood cutters, subdues much more country and must give timely
intelligence to the garrison ii any attempt should be made which is
not much credited notwithstanding the preparation of Snow Shoes
Scaling ladders &c and Monsieur Vaudrieuil Governor of Canada,
Commanding the regulars and his officers. By what we could learn
from Jacques Cartier the enemies principal post, it was to have been
526 APPENDIX.
undertaken the i*' of February but postponed to the 15* on account
of the difficulty of assembling the Canadians. There is an Exterior
line of Six blockhouses constructed on rising grounds, 200 yards
advanced in the Front of the work, well defended 5 of which con-
tain one Serjeant and 12 men each and the 6^ being the largest
mounting 2-Six pounders, commanding the road to Port S* Louis.**
[The Journal of the above expedition in 1 760, across the State of
Maine, has appeared in the "New England Historical and Genea-
logical Register" for January (1882), and the colored plan or
draught of the route, drawn by Lieut. Montr^sor, is in the posses-
sion of the N. E. Historic Genealogical Society.]
IV.
Col. Bradstreet's Treaty of Peace made at Ance aux Feuilles,
(near Presque Isle), August 12, 1764.
Colonel Henry Bouquet, after his memorable defeat of the In-
dians, in the summer of 1763, on his way to relieve Fort Pitt,
resolved to invade their territories in Ohio with a large force, and
oblige them to sign a treaty of peace in the midst of their own
villages. Frequent letters on this subject passed between Bouquet
and General Gage, during the succeeding autumn. It was agreed
that the season was too far advanced to carry out their plans and
that they should be deferred till the next year. In the meantime.
Colonel Bouquet was to repair to New York for consultation with
General Gage, which he did early in 1 764. On the 2d of May,
1 764, he sent to his chief from Carlisle his matured plans and views
at length concerning the stipulations of the prospective Indian
treaty, viz. :
"The peace concluded with the Senecas (by Sir W" Johnson)
is very honourable and must be soon followed by the submission of
the Dela wares, Shawanese, Wyandots and Mingoes. In case those
Tribes sue for Peace, I could wish to know your Intentions and what
Terms you would please to grant them and as some of them are
went on that occasion, I take the liberty to submit to your considera-
tion the following points —
1**. That they deliver up the murderers of Clapham* and our
Traders to be put to death for their Crimes.
• Capt. Wm. Clapham was a partner with George Croghan of Fort
Pitt in some land speculations, and was killed by the Indians. He had
bought an Indian for a servant, and while travelling with him in the
woods met two more Indians. Clapham stopped them and gave each a
drink. At a signal from the slave Indian, they all three fell upon him
and killed him.
APPENDIX. 5.27
2"**. That they deliver up all the white people they have amongst
them either as Prisoners or adopted and the last to be abso-
lutely insisted on whether they consent to it or not, as they
have been very active against us.
3***. That they renounce their alliances with any other Indians than
the Six Nations.
4*'*. That they renounce in favour of the Crown all rights or claims
they ever had to the Lands lying on the East side of the
Ohio from the head of that river to the sea (N. B. in this case
the Claims of so many Nations upon these Lands would be
confined to the 6 Nations which would facilitate the Purchase).
5***. That they shall never cross that river in its full Extent without
our Leave.
6*. That they shall trade only at such Forts as the General will fix
for that purpose.
7*. That they repay in skins within Seven years the Losses our
Traders have suffered in their property by their Robberies and
murders.
8*. That they give sufficient hostages for the performances of the
Treaty. "
General Gage replied to the above from New York, May 14, 1 764 :
" I am of your opinion that the Delawares and Shawanees will soon
sue for Peace. The Terms you propose are very proper. I shall
acquaint Sir William Johnson with these particulars, when the Time
comes, to treat of Peace. That transaction must be left entirely
with him. My chief design in demanding a Tract of Land for the
King is in order to form a Military Establishment near Fort Pitt by
granting the land in lotts of 100 or 150 acres, on military tenures
and on such conditions as shall be proper for the welfare and security
of 'such a settlement dependant only on the King and his Generals.
They should have Courts of Justice of their own and in every respect
be a little community by themselves of which the Commandant of
the Fort should be Governor. It is confidently said, that neither
Virginia or Pennsylvania, can claim by their charter up to the Ohio.
I wish you could get some certain knowledge of this matter and how
far their Boundaries really go. I am informed Virginia does not go
beyond the Heads of Powtomack. As you have a perfect knowledge
of the country round Fort Pitt, I wish when you have leizure to think
of such a Project that you would sketch out the most proper to
begin upon and how to proceed till the whole Tract should be set-
tled in different Townships taking in the waters upon the right and left
as much as possible and always have in view security and defence. *'
Col. Bradstreet halted on his march at Ance aux Feuilles, a place
not far from Presque Isle. In a council held on the loth three
chiefs of the Carnawagas, Onondagas, and Oneydos had warned them
that their enemy would lie in ambush about here, to attack them
when they least expected it. This was confirmed from another
source by Capt. Montr6sor, and he adds in his Journal, under Octo-
528 APPENDIX.
ber 1 6th : ** By the best advices beiDg from undoubted authority a
Project was laid after the Couudl held at Aoce anx Feuilles that the
Troops should encamp (if the 6 Nations could persuade CoL Brad-
street to it) at this canying place in order to perpetrate (by the assist-
ance of a large body of die Enemy) their black design m the massa-
cre of our Troops when least on our Guard" At Ance aux Feuilles
Col. Bradstreet was detained a day or two by stress of weather, and
on the 1 2 th of August the treaty of peace was agreed to. *^This
morning arrived two canoes with Ten Savages, Chief warriors and
deputies from the Castles of the Hurons of Sandusky — I>elawares —
Shawanese and Five Nations inhabiting the Plains of Scioto to entreat
for a Peace. Granted conditionally as per Articles of the Terms of
Peace." On the 16th, ** this day went oflf Express with Col Brad-
street's despatches to Fort Pitt, an Oneyda a Tuscarora, one Onan-
daga and Two of the Shawanese Deputies, containing the articles
with the Terms of Peace, from thence they are to proceed to the
Plains of Scioto and meet the Troops (with the Chiefs and 'Prisoners)
at Sandusky." Col Bouquet happened to be in **Camp near
Fort Loudoun "* when he received the dispatches. He at once
wrote a short note to Governor Penn, that he should altogether ig-
nore the treaty made August 12 th, and proceed with his expedition at
the appointed time. At the same time he wrote to General Gage :
''27 August (1764). I received this moment advice from Colonel
Bradstreet of his having granted Peace to all the Indians living be-
tween Lake Erie and the Ohio. The terms he gives them are such
as fills me with astonishment. After the massacres of our Officers
and garrisons and of our Traders and Inhabitants in Time of a pro-
found Peace, after the immense Expense of the Crown and some
of the Provinces to punish those Infamous Murderers, not the least
satisfaction is obtained. Had Col Bradstreet been as well informed
as I am of the horrid Perfidies of the Delaware and Shawanese
whose Parties as late as the 22*^ Instant killed 6 men and have
taken 4 Prisoners on the Frontier (not to recall the shocking and
recent murder of the schoolmaster and children) he never could
have compromised the Honour of the Nation by such disgracefiil
conditions, and that at a Time when two armies after long struggles
are in full motion to penetrate into the Heart of the Enemies coun-
try. Permit me likewise humbly to represent to your Excellency that
I have not deserved the affiront laid upon me by this Treaty of Peace
concluded by a younger officer in the Department where you have
done me the honour to appoint me to Command, without referring the
Deputy's of the Savages to me at Fort Pitt, but telling them th^t
h€ shall send and prevent my proceeding against them. I can there-
fore take no notice of his Peace but proceed forthwith to the
Ohio, where I shall wait to receive your Orders how to act after-
wards."
To this letter a reply was received from General Gage, New York,
September 2 (1764) : ''I was this day favoured with your letter of
APPENDIX. 529
the 27^ of August inclosing Dispatches from Col Bradstreet, which to
my great astonishment, contained articles of a peace which he has
taken upon himself to conclude with the Shawanese and Delawares.
A peace that obtains not the least satisfaction for all the Crueltys
those Barbarians have been guilty of, that adds Dishonour to our
arms amongst the Indians and can serve no Purpose but be the
Basis of future massacres. I send you my answer open to Colonel
Bradstreet which you will please to seal and contrive every means
to get it to his hands. I send a duplicate by the way of Niagara.
This will show you my opinion of the Peace, without saying more
about what stings me to the quick. You do well to proceed in your
operations. 1 annuU and disavow the Peace. Attack and use every
means to extirpate the Shawanees and Delawares and listen to no
Terms of Peace till they deliver the Promoters of the war into your
hands to be put to death and send their deputys to Sir William John-
son to sue for Peace. You may write what shall occur to you as
proper to be told Colonel Bradstreet, concerning the mutual assist-
ance you can give each other.'*
Extract from letter of Col. Bouquet to CoL Bradstreet. — "Camp at
Fort Bedford 5 September (1764). — I received at Fort Loudoun on
the 27*^ ult* the favour of yours letter dated at Presqu' Isle the 14**"
of august with the account of what passed between you and the
Deputies of the Indian Nations who live between the Ohio and Lake
Erie. I forwarded immediately your dispatches to the General from
whom I expect soon an answer. His orders to me with regard to
the Delawares and Shawanees are so very different from the Terms
you grant them, that it is a doubt with me whether he will ratify that
Treaty and as I suppose that you have not received his last letter to
you, I enclose you copy of a paragraph of that letter which I have
this moment received by which you will be informed of his Inten-
tions. I cannot conceal from you that a Peace granted to those In-
solent Savages would be unsafe and universally blamed unless satis-
faction be obtained for the murders of our officers and soldiers.
Traders and Inhabitants, committed in Time of a profound Peace and
force them to make restitution for part at least of the effects they have
plundered. Therefore if it is Time yet, I beg you will postpone the
final Conclusion of your Treaty (without breaking off the Conference)
till I can transmit to you the GeneraFs answer to your letter." This
answer did not reach Col. Bradstreet until the 25th of September, at the
"carrying Place between the Lakes Sandusky and Erie,*' where he
had encamped. ** Arrived an Express from General Gage to Col Brad-
street by the way of. Niagara by an officer of the 46th Reg' who took
the South Side of Lake Erie and fortunately fell in with our long boat
sent to a vessel from this Camp. Contents of the Dispatches from
the Commander in Chief. The Disapprobation of the Peace con-
cluded with the Delawares, Shawanese, Savages of Scioto Plains and
Hurons of Sandusky, notwithstanding the orders * make Peace with
34
530 APPENDIX.
those Savages who should offer it * * and that Extraordinary Peace
granted to the Senecas and that Branch of them called the Jennesees
at Niagara in August after that recent and most barbarous stroke
September 1763 on the Niagara carrying place without the least
provocation, together with their being the occasion of the present
rupture, with the Savages, containing also the absolute necessity of
12 of the Delawares and Shawanese to be delivered up and put to
death and advice of Colonel Bouquets being on his march against the
Ohio Indians by the way of Fort Pitt, which he was to leave the
first of October."
Extract from Col, Bradstreefs reply to CoL Bouquet^ October 1 7,
(1764). — ''I know nothing of Smallman, nor have 1 settled anything
with or received any prisoners from the Shawanese and Delawares.
I have sent to all Nations of Savages as far as Illinois, the Bay, &c
letting them know, what General Gage desired in his first letter to
me respecting the Peace / had made agreeable to his Instructions
and indeed have taken every step in my power to prevent a storm.
I hope all may go well on that score — the savages have understand-
ings. I have been in this Lake and up the River far as it is naviga-
ble for Indian canoes for near a month and am extremely sorry to
tell you it was impossible for me to put General Gages orders into
Execution, 'tis necessity, absolute necessity that obliges me to turn
the other way. By my long stay here and keeping the chiefs &c of
such nations as could give assistance to those against whom you act,
the two nations in question are left to defend themselves and should
they stand out, I am hopefull their efforts will be feeble. We keep
them in constant alarm that the safety of their Families may prevent
their collecting in a Body."
Gen. Gage to Col. Bouquet^ New York, October 15, (1764), after
the conclusion of the treaty of peace with the Indians in Ohio.
— "The Delaware Indians with whom you had the Conference
were no doubt sent to watch your motions and those Co^ Brad-
street treated with at Presque Isle were as surely detached upon
the same errand and no other. Nothing can be better than the
manner in which you have dealt with them and the message you
sent to their Nations and I think unless they have seized Colonel
* It would appear that Gage was not sufficiently explicit in his orders
to Bradstreet about the treaty of peace. In his letter to Bradstreet
Sept. 2d he writes : ** To offer peace {this, he only claims to have ordered
him to do) I think can never be construed a power to conclude and diC'
tate the articles of peace, and you certainly knew that no such power could
with propriety be lodged in any person but in Sir William Johnson, his
Majesty's Sole agent and Superintendent for Indian affairs." Gen. Gage
does not seem to have considered the inconsistency of this plea, for he
left Bouquet fully at Uberty to conclude a treaty with the Indians in Ohio,
without calling upon the aid of Sir Wm. Johnson in person.
APPENDIX. 531
Bradstreet's part3rs which I always suspected they would, that you
must have heard from him soon after the date of your letter."
September 2^K — "Col Bradstreet demanded of the 6 Nations
with us to join a small party of our Troops and some Ottawas now
present to immediately proceed & attack some of the Enemies
settlements on the Ohio which they declined saying 'that they
were sent out to make Peace.' "
October i/^h. — "Council held this day with the 6 Nations and
upper Nations wherein matters were explained by Col Bradstreet
wiUi regard to the present situation of affairs between us & the
Delawares & Shawanese & the little or no dependence to be put in
tiieir treaties, of their having broke their Peace by scalping & tak-
ing prisoners oflf of our Frontiers, since they had Concluded Peace
with us August i2th — 1764."
V.
Letters from Colonel Alexander Leslie to General Hal-
DiMAND, etc., 1775.
Castle William 16**" December 1773.
Sir—
I have intended myself the honor to write you these 10 days past
but waited from Post to Post expecting to give you some Coup
d'Etat of the Sons of liberty. Excepting their taking possession
of the Tea Ships & their keeping an armed guard, they have done
nothing since their Express went to York & Philadelphia only.news-
paper abuse to all the Servants of the Crown. On Tuesday last
they had a very large Provincial meeting, late in the evening, they
sent 10 men to find out the Collector and Comptroller, the last
they got hold of, but he told them he did no business at so late
hours. The above 2 Gentlemen went as usual to the custom house
yesterday morning & a committee of the people came & desired
the Collector to clear out the Tea Ships, that they might proceed
on their intended voyage : he told them he could not consistantly
with his duty clear out any Ships where part of their Cargo had never
been entered. It is reported that they wait this day upon the
Governor to desire of him a pass for them not to be fired at from
the guns of this Island. In short they have run themselves aground
& find they have gone lengths they cant support. They have put
one Savage (some man of the country of no weight) into the chair,
to throw the odium off the town & the committee will bring things
to a crisis; in my opinion the Tea Consignees have the Ball at
their foot, a little exertion now would show them in their true col-
ours. The Governor keeps at his Country seat He never has
532 APPENDIX.
mentioned of moving the Troops to town, if he does I am confident
they will execute his orders to their own credit. I desired Col.
Robertson to inform you that the 4 commissioners of the Customs
& the 5 Tea Agents took refuge with me, the 29*** ult* & arc still
here. I* ye been obliged to get a crew for another boat since the
arrival of these gentlemen, for we have courriers every hour coming
on the Island some with Intelligence, others as Counsellors & some
as negotiators. The Governor showed me a letter some time ago
from your Excellency & in it you mentioned having wrote to me about
ordering wood to the Ordnance Provincial Store Keepers here &
the Signal man, which letter I never had the honor to receive ; how-
ever I have given them a room's firing between them in consequence
of your letter to Gov' Hutchinson ... I am with &c . . .
Sir &c &c Alex* Leslie.
MB, — This Instant there's an account come of a Brig (with Tea
on board) belonging to the Mess** Clarks, Loring, Master, son to
the Commodore, being cast away last Friday, off Cape Cod.
Castle William 20'** December 1773.
Sir—
I did myself the honor to write your Excell'' last Post, that very
Evening the Sons of liberty went in a large body when dark to
the wharf where the 3 Tea Ships lay & in 2 hours destroyed all the
Tea on board, amounting to 340 chests. The people that did the
business were disguised. I had the regiment ready to take their
arms if they had been called upon. I am since informed the coun-
cil would not upon any account have the Troops come to Town.
So in fact it was out of the Governor's Power to call us. Such is
the state of this Government at present, there must be a new Char-
ter & a proper code of laws formed for them & those laws en«
forced, I doubt by the military. They threaten the Governor & my
3 guests more than ever, for now they find they have gone to
great lengths, & they attribute it to the Governor's not allowing
the ships to return & to the Tea Consignees for being the cause of
its being brought here, so I am not likely to get rid of my guests,
which enfre nous I'm very sorry for & I've reason to expect the
Governor down to night. As to the brig that was stranded at Cape
Cod, the teas were landed from her & its thought destroyed ere
now. I am Sir your &c
To General Haldimand A Leslie
Castle William 15** Febniary — 1774.
Sir—
I have the honor to send you the Contingent account for this
garrison from July 73 to Jan'' 1774. The vouchers shall be sent by
the first opportunity. ... I have sent y' Excell^ separately the
money I paid to an Extra Boat's crew during our Flurry here, if its
APPENDIX. 533
not allowed at head Quarters I sha*nt think of making a demand
any where else. I beg leave to know if I could be allowed for the
unavoidable expence I was put to for keeping a table for 7 weeks
for the Commissioners and Tea Agents, the amount don't Exceed
^^150 Sterling. I did it for the credit of the Crown and the mili-
tary station, 1 have the honor to represent here. Indeed it was
out of my power to do otherwise, for I could not either (at that
time) spare them a kitchen, or dining parlour, for I was obliged to
crowd them two in a room. The Tea Gentlemen are still here, but
of late have provided for themselves. I hope, Sir, you will give
some attention to the above expence, as it was not incurred in a
Regimental line but from being Commanding officer of this Island.
I forward to your Excellency a packet and a roll of plans from
Captain Holland some time ago, by M' Phillips formerly an officer
in this country. ... I have the honor &c &c. . . .
To General Haldimand. Alex* Leslie
•
NB, — A new Boat is much wanted for transporting the Troops
to the other side, the present one is quite wore out and belonged to
the Province. I have here forwarded an Estimate to your Excel-
lency for a new one.
Extract from a letter from Alexander Leslie to General FJL
Haldimand^ dated Castle William, 12th March, 1774. — **Your Ex-
cellency's determination for not allowing me the Expence incurred
here on account of the Tea matter, must teach me a little more pru-
dence for the future, and I am sorry to confess, it is not the first
time I have played the fool in the same manner."
From the Ordnance Department at New York to Colonel Alexander
Leslie,
New York May — 19* — 1774.
Sir—
I received last night by the post your letter of the 1 1* ins' cover-
ins the act of Parliament intended to shut the Port of Boston &
bring the people of that town and Province to a sense of their duty.
I congratulate you on the return of General Gage which we hear is
arrived, as it will relieve you from the disagreeable situation in which
you have been for many months past. I hope that the General's
presence, his firmness & the spirit with which the great Council of
the Nation have taken up the behavour of the People of Boston,
will answer the end wished for by all, well wishers to the British
Nation viz — to Extract good order from Anarchy & confusion. The
detachment of artillery with the cannon — ammunition, Flints, &c &c,
I so long intended to Send to Fort William and was to sail hence
this morning, is not yet gone having been detamed longer than was
Expected. I am Sir &c &c
To Honour**"* Lieu' Col Leslie
64th Regiment, Castle William near Boston.
534 APPENDIX.
VI.
Return of Staff Officers belonging to the Corps of Engin-
eers— ^AND their Pay — 4 July — 1777 — (Contingencies).
[From John Montr^sor's Note- Book.]
Lieu' Geo. Sproule . . .Pay per diem 5/
Lieu* Arthur Forth .... do sjf
Lieu* Doyle do 5/
Assistant engineers •<
Lieu* George Brown . . do 5/
Captain Jn® Norberg . do 5/
Lieu* Charles Stewart. do 5/
Lieu* Marshall ... do 5/
Lieu* De Lancy. . do 5/
Paymaster John Grant do 4/
Assistant in accts. William Wood do .4/
•^ , - { Pierre Nicole -do 5/
Draughtsmen -j ^j,^^^, ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^
Storekeeper Js^es Auchmuty do 4/
Assistant Ditto. . . Archibald M^'Neil .... do 4/
NB. — The Undermentioned officers have two shillings Extra-
ordinary on the List of Chainbearers, viz* —
( George Sproule
Lieutenants \ Arthur Forth
( William Wood
T^ u» ^ S Pierre Nicole
Draughtsmen -j ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^
VII.
Captain Montr^sor and the Auditor's Office in London.
Captain Montr^sor complains in his journal that, among other
things *' he has been reduced to after 24 Campaigns in America, " he
has been subjected " to various complaints from frequent hardships
and distresses by excessive cold and fatigue and from worry at law
suits against me for Government matters and tormented by a Court
of Inquisition at the Creditors Office. " He retired from the army
in 1778, and in 1798 had been yet unable to pass his accounts at the
Treasury for the Expenditures of the Engineering Department be-
APPENDIX. 535
«
tween 1774 and 1778. He had delivered iu his accounts on the i8th
and 22dof July, 1782, and also presented a memorial on the subject
in 1793 to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, which having
foiled to satisfy their objections on '* account of certain Informalities
in his accounts, which could not be avoided in that active Line of
Service," he had prepared another one in 1 798, with many additional
vouchers, etc., which it is presumed satisfied the I^ords Commis-
sioners.
In his memorial he says : *' In the Execution of Works it was the
Duty of the Engineer to provide, or cause to be provided Materials
of all kinds, Artificers, Labourers, and whatever was requisite for the
Services ordered and for the Payment of the Working Parties from
the Army. Custom had established that the Chief Engineer whose
Duty kept him principally at Head-quarters should apply to the
Commander in Chief for money by Warrants to carry on the various
Services of his Department, he being considered as the proper Judge
of the sums necessary for such Services. Although these Warrants
were made out in the name of the Chief Engineer, it was also settled
by Custom, that after being endorsed by him they were immediately
delivered to the Commissary & Pay master of the Ordnance, who
was Ex-Ofiicio Pay master of the Works for the En^neer Depart-
ment ; this Officer received the Money and it was his Duty to pay
all Expenses incurred when authenticated by the Order of the Chief
Engineer for Payment, and to take proper vouchers for such Pay-
ments, being in fact the Banker for the Department, subject to the
Control of the Chief Engineer who was virtually the Comptroller
of the Pay masters accounts & not the accountant as he neither
received nor paid the Money, that it then became the Duty of the
Pay Master to retain and take due care of all the vouchers justif3dng
such Payments for his Acquittance and the originals were accord-
ingly always lodged in his Office, the Chief Engineer being furnished
Mrith Duplicates for his Information and Satisfaction and though when
a final Warrant was granted pro forma in the name of the Chief
Engineer as before mentioned ; which Expressed that the vouchers
were in his possession yet the same were never in fact lodged with
him nor was anything more implied thereby than the original vouch-
ers were in the Office of the Pay Master of the Works who was con-
sidered as the Public Accountant in this Branch, as well as in that
of the Ordnance, which he has invariably been. In proof of this it
will appear by the Commission and Instruction given to the Chief
Engineer that no Responsibility was required or expected from him
for the money paid in his Department, but that the Pay master was
considered as the accountant and required to be so by his Instruc-
tions under the Control of the Chief Engineer who had he conceived
that he had any other account to render than as Comptroller, would
not have entrusted the vouchers to the Custody of any other Person
whatever. The established Pay masters who were appointed by
536 APPENDIX.
the Board of Ordnance, during your Memorialists Command as
Chief Engineer, were, M' William Fonnan whom he found in the
Office, and who Continued in it until he died at New York in the
Spring of 1775, on which Occasion Thomas Barron Esq Deputy
Pay Master General of the Forces, officiated by desire of General
Gage tmtil some other person should be appointed by the Board of
Ordnance to succeed M' Forman as Commissary and Pay master
and Mr John Grant being appointed accordingly arrived with the
. Army from Boston and Halifax at New York in July 1776 and re-
mained in that Office when your Memorialist left America in the
Autumn of 1778. The Pay master of the works, not your Memo-
rialist, received the Money granted by the Warrants before mentioned
and paid all Demands whatever upon the Engineers Department
having previously presented the necessary papers to your Memorial-
ist for Inspection, with a written Order for him to sign for the Pay-
ment, after which the Receipts were taken by the Pay master in his
own Name (and not in the Name of your Memorialist) which the
Pay Master annexed to the said Order, and kept in his Possession,
with all the relative Papers as vouchers for his Disbursments. ♦ ♦ ♦
Your Memorialist therefore considered himself responsible only for
the due construction of the Works and other military Services be-
longing to the Department ; that the Materials and Labour necessary
for the performance of those Duties were purchased and Executed
in the most advantageous manner for the Public, and duly paid for
pursuant to his Orders to the Pay Master of the Department whose
Accounts he controlled, in like manner as the Commissioners of the
Navy conduct, direct and controul the accounts of the Treasurer of
the Navy, by directing all Naval Works, providing Materials and
Labour for the same putting Money into the hands of the Treasurer
for defraying the Expenses thereof, and giving their Orders on him for
Payment and afterwards controlling his accounts the Treasurer being
the Public Accountant and not the Commissioners.
" Your Memorialist, therefore begs leave humbly to represent the
extreme hardship of his case, because the usage at Head Quarters
was to make out the Warrants for money in the name of the Chief
Engineer, who in fact never received the amount, that he should be
held accountable for the same and thus become responsible for a
Person not of his appointment but necessarily attached by superior
authority to the Department as its Banker. He shall only fur-
ther observe that had he conceived himself in that predicament, he
would have resigned his Commission rather than have subjected him-
self to the Responsibility now expected of him. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ By
all which it will be evident that he constantly considered M' Grant
as the Public Accountant and that he continued to do so on his
Arrival in England having on Grant's Return from America wrote to
him on the 12*** Nov' 1780 *his Expectations of his having brought
' with him all the necessary Papers for passing his (Grant's) accounts,
APPENDIX. 537
* of the Army Extraordinaries at the Treasury ; and urging him to
^ deliver them in, that they might be examined at the Auditors of
* the Imprests office, with your memorialist's numerous checks & con-
' trol of his accounts in order that he Grant, might obtain a quietus.'
This requisition M' Grant was prevented from complying with by
a severe Indisposition which he then laboured under, and which ter-
minated in his Death on the latter end of the same Month. Fortu*
nately for your Memorialist the Pay Master had orders to take
Duplicate Vouchers of all payments, where the accounts were simple
&. to prepare as specific and explanatory abstracts as possible of
those more complex : to deliver or transmit such Duplicates to your
memorialist, with every general Account presented to the Commander
in Chief for a final Warrant in order to satisfy his Enquiries as well
as to Convince your Memorialist that the Public Money had been
disbursed agreeable to his orders ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ "phe duplicate
Accounts thus preserved are those delivered in by him to the Audi-
tors office (on which the Animadversions of the Commissioners are
made, having shared the Dangers of all the Marches, Voyages and
actions your Memorialist has been concerned in during the War,
thereby escaping the total Plunder and Destruction of his House &^
near New York, on the 13*** Januar)* 1777 and the Capture of the
Alert Armed Schooner on the River Delaware in March 1778, on
board whereof were his Plans, Journals, probably some Vouchers,
and occasional Observations upon the pay masters accounts, & on
other Public Proceedings previous to the 17*** of July 1777 which
would have been of the utmost Service to him at this time, in eluci-
dating such Doubts as have arisen relative to the various and very
Extensive works carried on under his direction/'
Concerning different items of the accounts under discussion, the
memorialist says : *' Your Memorialist can only repeat that the said
Receipts must either have been destroyed by the Fire at New York
or lost by the capture of the Alert Schooner in the River Delaware
in March 1778 — as they are no where to be found, but as all the
Items are entered in the Pay Masters Books, he trusts that your
Lordships will relieve him from the Surcharge, from the fatality at-
tending the loss of Vouchers which was inevitable, and here he begs
leave humbly to represent to your Lordships that in this Case as
well as in all similar Cases where the Payments are found in the Pay
master's Books who were wholly independant of him, your Memon-
alist should be relieved from the Surcharge ; which if thought fit to
be established, should be charged on the Pay Master of the Works,
whose Duty it was to produce Vouchers for the Sums he took Credit
for in his Books and who had the charge and disbursement of the
Public Money."
The Auditors of Capt. Montr6sor's and the Paymaster's accounts
were disposed to be very captious. They objected to several signa-
tures to the vouchers, particularly to one John Joy's, who fumivied
538 APPENDIX.
carpenters. William Wood swore that to the best of his belief
certain signatures were not John Joy's. Captain Montr^or, after
much trouble and expense, found Joy in London, and produced hb
acknowledgment that the signatures were his own. The same
Wm. Wood came forward to sustain the same objections to some sig-
natures of the late Paymaster, Mr. Grant. Captain Montrdsor might
with reason enter the complaint in his journal that he " was tor-
mented by a Court of Inquisition at the Creditor's Office." Item
25 on the list being exceptionally large in amount (viz., ;^26,459
I IX. 5^^.), its secret history will be here entered into, as it is histor«
ically of interest This sum ''^ being the amount of several sums
claimed for services performed, stores and materials provided for
the use of the works at Philadelphia Surcharged because articles for
large sums ar^ inserted in the handwriting of the accountant in
bills originally, made out for smaller sums, because the whole of
the articles in other bills are in the handwriting of the accountant
because in severall bills partly written by him there are blank
spaces as if for more articles of charge ; because in some of these
vouchers the receipts are witnessed by Archibald M^^Neil the act-
ing Pay Master ; and because there are no contracts, certificates
pay lists or under bills to support these Vouchers, which on inspec-
tion were deemed objectionable, and those objections were after-
wards confirmed by the evidence of the accountant taken on oath
before the Commissioners,* before your Memorialist proceeds to
reply particularly to these heavy charges, he thinks it necessary to
apprize your Lordships of the situation of the army, and of the ad-
jacent country at the time these works were performed.
** The British army was then in the possession of Philadelphia, but
their lines were very much circumscribed, and it was to defend these
lines that the expence was by the order of the Commander in Chief
incurred. There were not materials within those lines by any
means sufficient for the construction of the works ordered ; a du-
plicate statement of the expence of these works is inserted in the
appendix, the original of which, together with plans of the works
and circumjacent country he delivered to the Commissioners for
auditing the public accounts ; and in order to shew the few mate-
rials that were within these lines, he transmits General Paterson, the
Adjutant General's letter to him requiring a return of the materials
captured when the City wa^ taken possession of and the return he
made in obedience thereto ; there were sufficient materials in the
adjacent country, but that being possessed by the Enemy, it became
necessary to adopt some secret means of obtaining them from those
who were willing to supply them if that could be done with safety to
their lives ; for instant death was the consequence of any man sup-
plying the British Troops with stores or materials. There was in the
Department of your Memorialist, as Draftsman and Captain of the
Guides, a man named Captain Pierre Nicole, a Swiss, very intelli-
APPEN1>IX. 539
gent, well acquainted with the Country and with the people, who
having on former occasions acquitted himself to perfect satisfaction
in procuring intelligence was now made choice of for negociating
this hazardous business and who performed the duty with eSect and
Fidelity : he procured the materials and received the money to pay
for them, generally in round sums for which he usually made his bar-
gains, and being the confidential person acting between the British
army and the Loyalists everything passed upon word only there were
no bills of particulars, no accounts, nor anything upon paper lest by
accident such might have fallen into the hands of the enemy and
certain death been the consequence to those who at all hazards sup*
plied our wants, and without which, it would have been wholly im-
practicable to have procured a sufficient supply of stores and ma-
terials for the use of the army. Your memorialist on receiving the
materials gave Nicole the money he said he had agreed for as the
price and he is ready to affirm in the most solemn manner that tho
price paid was, in his opinion moderate, as the sum total of the work
constructed will evince ; as the articles were received previous to
pajmient he did not take receipts from Nicole for the money he gave
him, considering the transactions as a secret service for the due per-
formance of which his honor was pledged. Capt Pierre Nicole
died in 1 784, so that he is deprived the benefit of his testimony,
but he can indisputably prove his existence and employment by the
certificate of Joseph Galloway Esq then Superintendant of Police at
Philadelphia ; by the certificate of Major General Balfour ; Colonel
Frederick Mulcaster and Lieu' Colonel Henry Haldane and Sir Wil-
liam Howe's letter to Lord Townsend, Master General of the Ord-
nance, recommending Captain Nicole to his notice and protection.
These certificates clearly prove his being employed on secret Ser-
vice by your Memorialist and the Commander in Chiefs approbation
of the fidelity with which he executed it, by his afterwards recom-
mending him to the Master General of the Ordnance. Thus your
Lordships have a faithful account of the uncommon means it was
necessary to adopt in order to obtain the supplies which were
wanted and to which your Memorialist will have occasion to refer on
his explanation of particular Items of the charge. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Items
for articles of materials furnished by Loyalists whose names could
not with safety be exposed, were obtained through and paid for by
Pierre Nicole, who could not deliver abstracts or bills of particulars
into the Office, least Individuals furnishing the articles'should be de-
tected and put to death, as was the fate, unfortunately of a M'
Molesworth M' Dunbar and M' Roberts for affording Service to the
British army.
"The ^^'^ Item of charge ;^44oi Pennsylvania Currency being the
amount of several sums payed George Slonga — Michael Steyner —
Petus Van Warraden Christopher Muirhault, and Patrick Murgat-
royd, Surcharged for the reason that all the bills are in the hand-
540 APPENDIX.
writing of the accountant and because upon diligent enquiry the
board could not discover that any such persons existed whose
names appear to many of the receipts," Captain Montresor replied :
" That the bills mentioned in the foregoing numbers were wholly
written by your Memorialist he readily admits but he must have been
infatuated or strangely misapprehended, if he was understood to say
that he could not give any reason for their b( ing so, as it is very
improbable he should not have recollected that at Philadelphia on the
24^ of May 1778 at ten o'clock at night, a Sudden order for the em«
barkation of the Baggage of the Army was communicated to him,
requiring the whole to be completely on board the next Day by one
in the afternoon, as all the transports would fall down the river by
that hour. In consequence of this order every Person under him
was employed from the first moment to the last of his stay at Phila-
delphia, in dismantling the works, in embarking the Engineers Stores
^ in collecting the various accounts & discharges remaining unsigned
and in forming them so as to be signed by such of the parties en-
titled to payment, as were upon the spot, in order to obtain what
was the only voucher to be had in that emergencv & what would, as
he then thought been deemed sufficient.'' Findmg also under the
circumstances that the Paymaster and his assistants were quite un-
equal to the dispatch requisite. Captain Montresor assisted with his
own pen, and that accounts for his handwriting appearing in the ac-
counts. Then the Commissioners raised the doubt whether Mr.
Grant was ever in Philadelphia, and whether he authorized the
appointment of Archibald McNiel as his deputy there. All this
Captain Montresor was able to prove by General Patison. ^' The
Certificates of Lieu* Colonel Mulcaster and of Captain Matthew
Pit^s both Engineers on the Spot ascertain the degree of Oeconomy
with which the works were executed in addition to which, he has the
happiness to add the testimony of his Commander in Chief Sir Wil*
liam Howe who in his Letter to the Commissioners of the 10*^ De-
cember 1 792 informs them that he was perfectly satisfied with these
accounts when laid before him for granting Warrants for their dis-
charge, that the articles they contained were not overcharged and
that the works performed were adequate to the expence, and that
upon a late review of those accounts he had no reason for deviating
from that opinion. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Your Memorialist is furthermore
authorized to offer the personal attendance of Sir William Howe on
your Lordships, to the character and conduct of your Memorialist,
and to explain any matter relative to this business that your Lord-
ships may think still necessary."
My Lords
I entreat, most anxiously, your Lordships patient perusal of the
foregoing memorial and the papers in the annexed appendix ; by
which I trust, that I shall be acquitted, in your Lord^ps opinion
APPENDIX. 541
6f the dishonourable supposition of unfairness : the informalities in
several of the Vouchers arose from the adoption of measures made
necessary by the nature of the Service & I am convinced Your Lord-
ships will feel the impossibility of conforming to the forms of Office
in the midst of active service but that no fraud or Imposition was
intended, I appeal to the whole tenor of my Conduct in the course
of twenty four Campaigns ; and to all my private transactions
through life : I appeal to the Testimony of the several Command*
crs in Chief under whom I served, I appeal to the Testimony of
every Officer in the armies with whom I served ; that not one In-
stance can be furnished to warrant such a Conclusion. My For-
tune, and what is Dearer to me, my hitherto unimpeached reputation
are in your Lordships' hands and whom the legislature has wisely
placed the Power of dispensing with Informalities : when your Lord-
ships are satisfied of the rectitude of the intention and that every
possible Satisfaction has been given that the nature of the case
could admit of 1 therefore look forward, with confidence, to the re-
sult of your Lordships impartial Judgment and equitable Decision.
I have the Honour to be &c &c &c
N* 35 Welbeck Street John Montresor.
20*** January 1 798.
Items mentioned in Captain Montresor' s Memorial to which Excep-
tion was taken by the Auditors of the Treasury.
^591 to George Warden for Materials furnished for the use of the
works at New-York.
^^356. 10. 8 — the amount of 70.000 feet of Pine Boards — the bill
of John Norris from 20 May to 31 December 1777.
£zl — *o Elias Smith — to bills — same dates —
^110.15.1. To John Post — Jonathan Hampton — John Gilles and
;^i 100. = Paid Jonathan Hampton for 44 Contracted Carpenters
sent to Philadelphia between i* April & 30 June 1778.
^54 — paid Peter Roberts for constructing redoubts on Staten
Island.
^1900 — Pennsylvania Currency for Carpenters work and Luinber
— bills of Thomas Hughes and John Norris — Philadelphia.
^4380 — Pennsylvania Currency — 5 Items of bills of Samuel Gris-
com James C. Fisher — George Wack — Wm Pearson & Thomas
Gouge. The above sum eventually paid to Pierre Nicole.
^900. Pennsylv' Currency for Iron and carpenters work to Pierre
Nicole.
^^1127. Pennsylv* Currency — 2 bills of Jaret Titmarsh & Gerardus
Vonstretchett.
^10.600.17.8. Pennsylvania Currency bills of Thomas Hughes —
John Barton Elias Foster — Leonard Wright— Rich"* Roseaman
54 2 APPENDIX.
— ^Janies Van N.oort — Samuel Scotton — Rob* Evans — materials
for the works.
^^8.700.6.3 — Pennsylv* Currency. Several Sums paid to Elias
Smith — ^Tho* Hup;hes — Jonathan Hampton — Wm Read — ^John
Lee — Wm Perkms — Samuel Griscom — Edmund Eldredge —
John Barton Valentine Parry— Tho* Underhill— Tho* M. King
— Dan' Moore — Moses Shekkard, John Hall and Josiah Slater.
;^io.5 14.4s. lod. Pennsylvania Currency — several sums paid Daniel
Ebbeth— Thomas Underbill — Charles Field—John Slack-
Samuel Griscom — Daniel Offley and Son — Edward Stone —
Henry Gregory — John Southwood — Elias Smith — Daniel Moore,
Charles O. Doyle — ^Thomas Chapman & James Berry.
^4.401.17.6. Pennsylvania Currency several sums paid George
Slonga.
INDEX.
INDEX.
Abercrombic, Gen. James, 33, 34, 35,
45, 46. 48. 49. 5o» 5 If 52, 53. 59. 60,
61, 62, 63, 64, 116, ISO, 151, 174,
253-
Abercrombie, Capt. James, 50, 62 ; 63,
85.
Abraham, Heights of, battle on the,
ai6, 232, 234.
Acadia, John Montresor^s map of, 4.
Mountains in, 189.
Acadians, destruction of the villages of
the, 190 ; dispersal of the, 195 ; 196.
Adair, Dr., iii, 236; Mr., 17, 50, 55,
57. 6S i 60.
iEtna, nre ship, 176.
Agnew, Gen. James, brigade of, 122;
246; 444.
Aikin*s Tavern, 445, 446, 448.
Albany, removal and erection of govern-
ment buildings at, 5 ; military works
at, II, 12, 16, 17, 21, 31, 35; new
road to, 16 ; militia of, at Fort Ed-
ward, 26 ; paroled soldiers from Fort
William Henry, sent to, 29; mechanics
from, on Saratoga works, 43; men-
tioned, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94. 95 ; 96, 97.
98, lOI, 102; 104; 105, 106, 109: IIOi
III ; 149, 150; sale of public store-
houses, and new barracks at, 329-334;
trade of with New York, 330 ; riot
at, 377.
Albemarle, Lord, 135.
Albergatti, d\ Marquis, 118.
Alcide, British frigate, 205, 217.
Alert, schooner, capture by the Ameri-
cans of the, 8, 481 ; 537 ; mentioned,
420, 430 ; rescued, 481 ; returns to
Philadelphia, 483.
Alexander, Mr., 155.
Alexandria, Egypt, 71 ; Va., 147.
AUadad, ship, 155.
Allicocke, Joseph, counsellor of Sons of
Liberty, 349 ; 353, 370 ; son of mu-
latto woman, 368 ; employed by the
Crown, 368.
Alleghany Indians, scalping by, 265.
35
Allen, Chief Justice, 66 ; CoL Ethan,
139.
Allen's Provincials, 476, 489^
Almagne, d*, Acadian village, 189.
Amazon, frigate, 502.
Amboy, 66 ; Americans surprised near,
421 ; British army at, 421 ; British
army returns to, 425.
America, British blunders in, 136.
Amerioui, army, 451, list of general offi-
cers in, 490, movements of, 424, 425,
5031 504, evacuates Rhode Island,
512 ; battery, near Manto Creek, 473 ;
forces, at Shannock Hills, 424, at
Quibbletown, 425, on Hooper's Isl-
and, 440, at Chad's Ford, 447, at
Newark, 448, at Turk's Head Tav-
ern, 449, evacuate Fort Mifflin, 476,
477, maltreat market people, 486,
obstruct road to Bow Creek, 472,
/eu de joie of, 468, surprised, 4S1,
486, 487, actions of the with Brit-
ish at Bound Brook, 421, near Am-
boy, 421, at Brandy wine and White
Clay Creek, 444, 447, near Aikin's
Tavern, 445, near Downingtown,
453, near Jenkin's Town, 492, at Mud
Island, 464, near Salem, 483, at the
Black Horse, 484^ at Smithfield, 484,
near Philadelphia, 485, 486 ; claim
office, compensation for losses to offi-
cers by, 126 ; colonies, loss to Great
Britain of the, 135 ; Congress, answer
of to British Commissioners, 503, let-
ters from British Commissioners to,
503 ; debt, amount of, 495 ; forts, on
Horn's Point and Greenberry Point,
Chesapeake Bay, 441 ; killed, wound-
ed, prisoners and deserters, 451, 452,
462, ^83, 401, 492, 496; loyalists,
battalion of, 510; militia, at Elk
Ferry, 442, stores, discovered by
British, 454; vessels, left at Elk,
443.
Amherst, CoL Wm., ^^ 71, 84, 173,
389
546
INDEX.
Amherst, Gen. Sir Jeffrey, 65, 66, 67,
68, 70, 71. 72. 73» 74. 75. 76, 77, 78.
80 ; 81, 83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91,
92. 93. 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, »«>#
loi, lo?, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,
108, 109, III, 116, 118, 119, 127,
142, 159, 161, 17s, 2i8, 232, 241,
245, 248, 249, 251, 253, 321, 324,
353, 374, 389, 393, SI 5, 525.
Amherst's Regiment, 173, 177, 217.
Ancc aux Feuilles, 321: arrival of
Bradstreet's army at, 280 ; treaty of
peace with Indians at, 526-531.
Ancienne Lorette, 525.
Andrew, the Huron, 307.
Andromeda, ship, 485, 494.
Angel, CoL, 38.
Ann, ship, 154.
Annapolis, Nova Scotia, 81, 175 ; Aca-
dians shipped from, 196.
Anspach, regiments of, 421, 497.
Anstruther's Regiment, 154, 173, 177,
196, 207; attack of Indians on, 208;
210; the 58th, 217; 219, 22a
Anticosti, island of, 198.
Antigua, stamps current in, 346.
Antony, Lieut. Col., sally at Louifbourg
of, 184.
Apple Island, 201.
Apollo, frigate, 428.
ApoUon, I*, French frigate, 188.
Appy, John, 48, 49, 55, 59, 88, 89, 91,
93t 94, 95, 96; 98, 102, 103, 104,
108, III.
Apthorpe, Mr., 76; 77, iia
Aquagaw Indians, 275.
Aquakenok, 504.
Arc-en-ciel, frigate, 176.
Archer, John, 523.
Ardent, frigate, 502 ; 503.
Arethuse, P, French frigate, 184, 188.
Armed, ship, 155.
Armilla, transport, 155.
Army. See American, British.
Arnold, Benedict, 118.
Arnot, Capt., 262 ; 385.
Artilierie, d', Regiment, 187.
Artillery, Royal, 341, 375, 384, 385,
388.
Artois, d*. Regiment, 187.
Ash, Gilbert, 15.
Ashton, village of, 451.
Assarrigoa, Indian chief, 301, 303.
Assequesix, river, 282.
Aubnau, Point, Lake Erie, 321.
Auchmuty, James, 534.
Auchmuty, Miss, 6.
Auchmuty, Lieut. Samuel, 6 ; purchase
of commission for, 510.
Auchmuty, Rev. Samuel, 6.
Auditors of Accounts, appointed, 353.
Augusta, inhabitants of kill Indians of
Six Nations, 376 ; ship, explosion on,
470, burnt, 472.
Au Sable river, Bradstreet's forces at,
279.
Babcock's Regiment, 87, 94, 99, 100.
Bache, Mr., Sons of Liberty seize goods
on vessels of, 361.
Baddeck, 188.
Baker, Hyera, 95.
Balfour, Capt. Nisbett, aid of Sir W.
Howe, 418 ; Gen., 539.
Ball, Surgeon, 88.
Banyer, Goldsborow, 341 .
Barbadoes, stamps current in, 346.
Barcelona, 147.
Bard, Wm., British Engineer of 35th,
340.
Bard well, Lieut., 104.
Barachois, the. Cape Breton, 174.
Barons, Mr., 20, 21, 22, 27, 31.
Barr, Dr. , 97.
Barracks, at Albany, site o(^ 329 ; dis-
putes concerning, 341.
Barrfe, Col. Isaac, 138, 389, 390.
Barren Hill, Americans surprised at,
486..
Barres, Wallet des, 135.
Barron s, Capt., master of sloop, 54.
Barrow, Mr., 57.
Barrow, Thos., 536.
Bartman, G., 17, 28, 31, 32, 33, 64.
Barton, John, 541, 542.
Basset, Lieut. Thomas, 66, 106, no,
III, 119, 523.
Bastide, Col. Juhn Henry, 62, 65, 66,
68, 71, 75, 76, 78, 79, 94, 142, 152,
153, 154. 156, 175, 176, 228, 523.
Bastion Dauphin, LouislK>urg, 172; d^
la Reine, Louisbourg, 172 ; du Roi,
Louisbourg, 172 ; St. Jean^ Quebec,
235 ; Urscline, Quebec, 235.
Batier, Mr., 76.
Battiscaut, river, 241 ; village of, 240,
244.
Battery, British at Mud Island, taken
and retaken, 464, 465 ; near Philadel-
phia, 466 ; in Boston Harbor, 401.
Baugh, Capt., no; John, 523.
Bayard, Mr., 12.
Baybut, Capt., 54.
Baylor, Col., 513.
Bay Verte, French troops for Louis-
bourg at, 165.
Beardsley, Samuel, 523.
Beam, Battalion of, 18.
INDEX.
547
Beaubassin, Mr., 190.
Beauclerk, Lord George, 61.
Beaumont, compulsory allegiance to
England of the inhabitants of, 193.
Beauport, 215, 222, 223, 225, 226.
Beaver, sloop, 176.
Beckhouse, Lieut., 85.
Bedford, Mass., 123; Long Island,
troops from, 511, 512; frigate, 175;
Beebe, Lieut., 99, 100, 106.
Beekman, Jno. Jacob, 74.
Beguemont, village of, 242.
Bell, Lieut., 32; Capt., death of, 224.
Belle Isle, purchased by Capt. John
Montresor, 6; 126.
Bellew, Capt., 32 ; 33.
Belligeur, French frigate, 180.
Belmont, Kent, residence of CoL John
Montresor at, burnt, 7, 8.
Bemont, Lieut., 106.
Bensell, Adolphus, 135.
Bergen Neck, capture of cattle by
Americans at, 507
Bergier, Paul, court martial on, 98.
Bernard, Gov. Francis, 66.
Berne, Switzerland, 7.
Berrv, James, 542.
Berthier, compulsory allegiance to Eng-
land of the inhabitants of, 194 ; 195,
246, 249.
Best, Mr., 17, 19, 20; 79; 82.
Best's, 77 ; 109.
Betsey, Miss, 16.
Bevins' Ford, 419.
Bic, ile du, 199, 200, 207.
Biche, riviere au, 314.
Bienfaisant, le, French frigate, 185,
186, 187.
Bienport, Cot^ de, 207.
Billeting Act, colonists oppose, 350.
Billeting of troops in New York, 373,
374.
BUlingsport, 137, 471, 477, 486, 483,
487, 489, 495, 499.
Bird Islands, 197.
Bird, Mr., 58, 59.
Birmingham, 516.
Black, Mr., 71.
Black Horse Tavern, the Americans
surprised at, 482.
Blakely^s House, 467, 468, 470, 474,
47St 479-
Blakeney, Lieut., 105.
Blakeney^s Regiment, arrives at Fort
Edward, 33 ; 77.
Bleiker, Mr., of Albany, surveyor, 395,
396.
Bless Point, 198.
Bloodgood, master carpenter, 393.
Bloody Pond, 99; encampment of
Gen. Amherst's troops near, 108.
Boddington, John, 22, 56, 59, 61, 65,
67. 77t 89, 100, loi, 103, 324, 327,
356, 389* 390. 4^1.
Boeuf, riviere au, 257.
BofTy, Lieut., 97.
Bogart, alderman of Albany, 396.
Bogert, Jacob, 75, 94» 96> 9^.
Boishebert, M., in command of savages,
184.
Bohemia, fugitives from to British camp,
447.
Bombay Hook, 500, 501.
Bontein, Capt. William, 61, 81, 160,
162 ; capture of, 167 ; 175, 176, 523,
Boone, John, 44.
Boot, the tavern, in Goshen, 453.
Borden, Mr., house of burnt, 490.
Bordentown, magistrates of refuse to
quarter troops, 122 ; houses burnt at,
490, 491.
Boreas, ship, 152, 176.
Boscawen, Edward, Admiral, 155, 169,
i73» »75; fleet of, 154; 175, 176.
Bostick, Mr., 46.
Boston, loi, 147, 148; Acadians cent
to, 196 ; American frigate, 439 ;
Briti^ blunder of taking post at, 135 ;
capture by the French of vessels
from, 118; defence of, 120; distress
of the British garrison at, 120; evacu-
ation of, 6 ; express from, 95 ; Gen.
Gage, commands at, 120 ; government
and people of, antagonistic, 375 ;
harbor, batteries in, 401, survey of,
404, 405, destruction of tea in, 532 ;
malcontents in, 402 ; number of in-
habitants of in 1 77 1, 409 ; schooner,
278 ; 279 ; 292 ; works at, 123.
Botiser, Capt. of packet Gen. Wall,
79-
Boucherville, island of, 251.
Bougainville, M. , 242, 248, 249, 252 ;
Capt., 504,
Boulderson, Capt., 384, 385.
Bound Brook, rebels defeated at, 421. '
Bouquet, Col. Henry, 126; 311 ; com-
mand of, 290 ; despatches ^om, 307 ;
expedition of against the Ohio In-
dians, 299, 303 ; letters of, respect-
ing Bradstreet's treaty, 526-531.
Bourlamarque, M. de, 242, 246, 248,
249» 250.
Bow Creek, Americans obstruct road to,
472.
Bowling Green, New York City, 353. •
Bowyer, Mr., 64.
548
INDEX.
Boycr, river, 194.
Braddock, Gen. Edward, 4, 8; stores
sent with, 62; 115, 116 ; defeat of, 8,
137 ; recovery at (Quebec of howitzers
lost at defeat of, 234.
Bradstreet, Col. John, 49, 74, 90, lOO,
104, 1 19 ; despatch of troops to San-
dusky under, 125; 136; Montresor's
journal of expedition of, 252-322; 255,
269, 270 ; 273, 274 ; terms of peace
between Indians and, 275 ; 276, 278 ;
number of forces of, 280; 281, 283,
284, 285, 286, 287, 288 ; grants of
land to officers, proposed by, 289 ;
290, 291, 296, 298; order to, 299;
302, 304; troops of, embark for
Niagara, 31 1, encamp near Rirer au
Roche, 312, shipwreck of, 312,
ordnance and ammunition buried by,
312, 314, in River au Roche, 313,
short of provisions, 315, 316, 317, at
Little Niagara, 318, at Niagara, 318,
embark for Ontario, 319, deserters
from, 319, itinerary of voyage of, on
Lake Erie, 321 ; 323, 330, 332, 333,
345. 393. 394. 397. 39^ ; treaty of
peace of, 526-531 ; letters of, 530.
Bri(^g*s Regiment, 158, 160, 177, 207,
215; the 28th, 217; 219, 223; in-
vestment of St. Ange Guardien by,
224.
Braham, William de, 135.
Braman, James, 523.
Branding of market people, 497.
Brandywine, battle of, Capt. John
Montresor at, 121 ; 137 ; American
forces at, 444 ; 449-451 ; Americans
killed and prisoners at, 451 ; second
account of, by John Montresor, 515.
Bras d' Or, Le. See Labrador.
Brattle Square, 1201
Brazier, Mr., 58, 68, 76, 78, 85, 86,
94, 102, 103, 106, no.
Brehem, Lieut. , plan of Ticonderoga by,
65 i 73i 74, 75. 90» 108, 268 ; 523.
Breton, Cape, 151, 197.
Brewerton, Fort, 254, 255.
Brewington, alderman, permits Pren-
dergast to escape, 365.
Brewse, Capt. John, 46, 56, 61, 175,
176, 523.
Brilliant, French frigate, 180; store-
ship, 428.
Brine, , commander of the Andro-
itieda, 494.
Bristol, Pa., 66, 485 ; R. I. burning of,
498.
British, administration, blunders of the,
i35» 13^ i army, at Germantown,
458, at Amboy. 421, at Middle-
bush, 422, at Bnmswick, 423, at
Kenneths Square, 440, bane of sub-
dividing, 131, desertion of Hessians
from the, 501, discontent of the,
498, disposition uiider Sir Henry
Clinton of the, 503, evacuation of
Philadelphia by the, 499, force of, at
New Yoik and Rhode Island, 510,
force of the, 497, marches from
Philadelphia to Gloucester Point,
499, moves from Halifax to New
York, 6, movements of, after battle
of Brand3rwine, 454, on Red Bank,
469, to cut off Lafayette, 492, 493,
to surprise rebels at Geimantown,
494, at Westfield, 424, at German-
town, 467, provisions consumed
weekly by, 495, returns to Amboy,
425, to Staten Island, 426, at Ri-
kiu*s Tavern, 445, at the Brandywine,
449, line of battle of, 449, losses of,
517, wounded sent to Wilmington,
451, attacked by Gen. Wayne, 453 ;
capture Mud I^and, 465, 474, 475»
476, 477 ; surprise Americans at
Chestnut Hill, 481, at the Black
Horse, 482, near Salem, 483, near
Haddoiifield, 484, at Smithfield, 484,
at Bristol, 485, at North Wales, 487 ;
pursue Americans under Gen. Lacy,
488; attacked by Americans near
Jenkin*s Town, 492 ; bum American
fleet on the Delaware, 490, 491 ; corps
of engineers, 141, 147; expedition to
head of Elk, 429-445 ; finances. 125 ;
fleet, encounters tempest, 433. enters
Chesapeake Bay, 437, anchors off the
Piankatank, 439, off Poplar Island,
440, at Sassafras river, 441, off An-
napolis, Md., 441, at head of Elk, 442,
off the Capes, 462, in the Delaware,
463, recalled from the Chesapeake,
493, sails for England, 5 14 ; prov-
inces, military experience of Capt.
John Montresor in, 115; r^ulars, at
Fort Eklward, 36 ; Senate, Americans
informed by member of the, 138 ;
troops for New York City, 327.
Britannic, packet, 388.
Brooklyn, fortifications of, 6; Ameri-
cans evacuate works near, 122, 132,
505-
Brotherhood, the Cat, 242.
Brown, Ensign, 18 ; Jacob, 43 ; Ma}.
of 28th Regiment, 382, 3&|, 385, 386 ;
Lieut. George, 534.
Browning, Col., 254, 259.
Brown's Provincial Corps, 513.
INDEX. 549
Bruce, Robt. G«o., 523. Camp Hill, Noddle Island, troops of Sir
Brune, frigate, 482, 484, 492. Hovenden Walker, and of Sir Wm.
Brunswick, 66; Court of, 140, 141; Pepperell, encamped on, 401.
Ferdinand, Duke of, 139 ; Augusta, Camp Johnson, fort at, seizure of rum
Princess of, 140 ; fort, 524. at, 87, 88.
Buchanan, Capt., 59. Canada, prisoners from, 107 ; conquest
Buckwater's Ford, Gen. Washington at, of, 118, 252; lands between Fort
419. Halifax and, 119; maps of, 392.
Buffalo Creek, 265, 270, 273. Canadians, manifesto to the, 218; order
Baldwin, Capt., 339. of Gen. Murray against the paper
Bull's Head and Mouth, the, 455. money of the, 2^ ; success of Gen.
Bnrford, frigate, 175. Murray's expedition against the, 235;
Burgoyne, Gen. John, 130, 131, 136, troops, 256, 269, 275, 282, 291.
42^ 455 > favorable accounts from, Canajonarie, Indians, 275 ; village of,
464; messenger to, fails, 471, 472; 49, 74, 75. "7. ^22,
capitulates, 473. Canyesadaguss Indians, 275.
Burk, the express, 103. Canso, gut of, 156.
Burke, Edmund, 138, 140; Capt. of the Cape Breton, 151, 197.
Hawk, 377. Capital of the King's, Louisbourg, 171.
Burlington, 66. Capitulation of Burgoyne, 472, 473,
Bum, Capt., 485. Capricieux, French frigate, 185, 187.
Burton, Col., 57, 215, 224, 246, 325, Captain, frigate, 176, 209, 280, 505.
366, 369, 370, 376, 381, 389. Carillon, battalion of Bearn and Rou-
Burts, Mr., 93. sillon at, 18 ; deserters from, 18 ; fort
Business, stagnation of in New York, at, 19 ; force of French army from,
368. 38 ; abandonment of by the French,
Bute, frigate, 421. 2^.
Byron, Admiral John, delay of fleet of, Carleton, Gen. Sir Guy, 219 ; governor
139; 245; 507, 512; pursues French of Quebec, 372 ; 384, 385.
fleet, 502 ; damage by storm to fleet Carlisle, Earl of, 136; 497.
of, 503. Carpender, Mr., 68.
Byron Island, 197. Carpenter's Island, battery on surren-
dered to the Americans, 467 ; 473 ;
Cabinet Planchi, 189. redoubts on destroyed, 479.
Cadiz packet, mutiny of ordnance arti- Cartel, postponed by Washington, 481 ;
fleers on board, 122 ; 499. British Commission for, go to Ger-
Cadwalader, Gen. John, 138, 447. mantown, 483; at Newtown, 484.
Cady, Sergt., 34, 45, 47. Cartwright, Mr., 12, 45, 76.
Caen, Normandy, James Gabriel le Cary, Maj., commander of ist Battalion
Tresor bom in, 3. of Royal Americans, 355.
Caenawagues, Indians, 275, 279, 280, Carysfort. frigate, 510.
284, 288, 300, 301,303; 306; op- Castle William, fort, 5, 120; Capt.
pused to war with Delawares and John Montresor's notes on, 399-410;
Shawanese, 310; to^attackDelawares, return of cannon in, 400; built by
311. CoL Wm. Romer, 401 ;. difliculties
Caesar, one, 85. in repairing, 401-404; defects of,
*Caille, Point a la, houses burnt at, 195. 405 ; cost of, 406 ; survey of, 404 ;
Callibogus, fort, 426. * barracks of, 407 ; works at, 409 ; ex-
Callow, Mr., 69. pense for repairs of, 410; want of
Cambis, Regiment de, 180 ; 181 ; 187. water at, 41a
Cambridge, gallantry of Capt. John Castor, island, 247.
Montresor at, 120. Cathcart, Lord, 485 ; command of, 507,
Cameron, Capt., 95. 509.
Camilla, frigate, 479, 482, 510. Cayahuga, river, encampment of Brad-
Campbell, A., 523; Capt., 90; Col., street's army at, 282.
35. 254, 269 ; Dugald, death of, 32 ; Cayuga Indians, 256, 275.
Engineer, plan of, 47; Mr., ^5, 59; Cecil Court House, 442; Knyphausen
Lieut. Col. John, 498; sub-director, encamps at, 444; 515.
63. Cedars, the, 119.
550
INDEX,
Cedre, Pointe au, encampment of Col.
Bradstreet's army at, 283 ; council of
Indians at, 284 ; J22.
Ceiebre, le, French frigate, 185, 187.
Centurion, ship of war, 154, 225, 507.
Cesar, le, French war vessel. 504.
Chad's Ford, American camp at, 447 ;
449» 450. 45 >. 516.
Chaleurs, bay of, success of the English
in the, 245.
Chalmers, Capt., ^48.
Chalmers* Provincials, 476.
Chambeaux, Pointe des, 237; 238;
«39.
Chambers, Capt. of the Greece, 323.
Champlain, lidce, Amherst's movement
to, 82 ; blockade of French vessels in
a creek of, 102, 103 ; despatches to
troops on, 246 ; 296 ; village of, 240,
242, 244.
Chapman, Thomas, 542.
Charles Lyon, transport, 155.
Charles, river, 207, 211.
Charlotte, sloop, 267; 268; 269; 277;
278.
Charlotte Temple, novel of, 4.
Charlton, Charles, American Quarter-
master, captured, 496.
Chartres, fort, 332, 365, 384.
Chatacouen, encampment of the army
under Bradstreet 22 miles from, 281 ;
les ecores de, 280 ; river, 321.
Chateau Richer, destruction of the vil-
lage of, 231.
Chedabucto, Acadia, 189.
Cheffant, M., French squadron under
command of, 180.
Chene, la riviere du, 239.
Cherokee, scalp of a, 307.
Chevre, le, French frigate, 188.
Chesapeake Bay, 130, 137, 148; British
fleet enter, 438.
Chestnut Hill, Americans surprised at,
481, 495 ; 497.
Chester, 131 ; 132 ; 134, 452 ; British
fleet at, 459; 467, 489.
Chewton, Lord, 425.
Children, mob of, in New York, 346,
349-
Chimere, le, French ship of war, 504.
Christie, Capt., 53, 89; Maj., 90, 94.
Christopher, Ensign, 105, no.
Circular to the Governors, 349.
Citadel, Bastion, Louisbourg, 173, 185.
Ciae, La, M., 299.
Clapham, Mr., 526.
Clark, Mr., 60.
Clarkson, Mr., 14, 60.
Claverack, 54, in, 38a
Cleaveland, Brig. Gen., 120, 418 ;
thanks in general orders to, 477.
Clegg, Capt., 91, 92.
Clement, le, French ship of war, 504.
Clements, Mr., 15, 64, 71, 92, iia
Clergy, convention of in New York on
repeal of stamp act, 368.
Clerk, Gen. Robert, 1^3.
Clerk, Matthew, 50, 60, 61, 63.
Clifton's Provincials, 470 ; Roman Cath*
olics, 489.
Clinton and Montgomery, forts, British
and American looses at stormmg of,
468.
Clinton, Gen. Sir Henry, 116, 121 ;
127 ; complaints of Capt. John Mon-
tresor against, 128; 130, 131, 137,
144 ; arrives in New York, 427, 503 ;
moves up Hudson River, 464 ; storms
forts Montgomery and Clinton, 468 ;
489, 490, 494, 497 ; British army at
Mt. Holly under, 500 ; 504 ; move-
ments of, 505, 506, 507, 508, 510,
511 ; expedition of troops to Rhode
Island under, 511. 512.
Cochon, Isle au, 286 ; 287, 289, 29a
Coenties' Dock, 54.
Coeyman's. See Queeman's.
Coffee House, Merchants', in New York,
rendezvous of Sons of Liberty, 346.
Cohoes, the, 16.
Colden, Alex., Surveyor General, of
New York province, 547, 378, 379.
Colden, Cadwallader, Lieut. Gov. . arrest
of, 509 ; 120 ; burlesqued by Sons of
Liberty, ^51 ; life of threatened, 352 ;
at Flushmg, 361 ; not consulted by
Gov. Moore, 365. »
Cole, Col. Edward, 146.
Collins, Lieut., 28.
Colonic, Regiment de, 241.
Colonists, billeting act, 350.
Colquhoun, Lieut., 179.
Colville, Lord, burnt in effigy, 342,
343; 369.
Colvin, Patrick, 44.
Comberford, Lieut., 31.
Commissioners, Briti^ arrive at Phila-
delphia, 497 ; leave Philadelphia, 499.
Concord, 451.
Congress, abandons Philadelphia, 455 ;
Indian, at the Miamies, 345, at Ger-
man Flats, 374.
Connecticut, forces, at Fort Edward,
36; 105, 272, 275, 276; order for the,
105 ; Acadians sent to, 196 ; stamps
belonging to, held by Gov. Moore,
346, 355 ; inhabitants of defend their
Governor, 367 ; oppose new Governor
INDEX, 551
and Assembly, 369 ; disturbances in, Cowper, Jeffrey, 98.
376 ; exchanged soldiers from, 506. Coxsackie, 54.
Conner, Capt., commands the Coventry, Cox, John, Ensign, captured by British,
352. 496.
Convention of clergy on stamp act. Cox, Mr., 54, 120.
368 ; between Gates and Burgoyne, Cranbury, 66.
472. Crary, Lieut., 32.
Convoy, Thames, 420, 421. Craskell, Thomas, 523.
Conway, Gen. Thos., 425, 518. Crawford, Lieut, 103.
Conway, Sec., letter of, respecting Crofton, Capt., 54 ; Lieut., 188.
stamp disturbances, 349. Croghan, CoL George, attack on, 327 ;
Cooche*s Mill, 446, 448. 331, 332 ; leaves Fort Pitt for the
Cook, Capt., 105. Illinois, 380; 526.
Cooper, Dr., 120; Grey, 389. Crosswick, 66.
Cooper's Ferry, 131, 481, 487, 497, Crowder, Mr., C09.
498. Crown Point, fort at, 19; 20; French
Copley, portraits of Montresor family evacuate, 86; march of Gen. Am-
by, 8. herst to, 87; 89, 90, 91, 93, 945
Corby, Mr., 123. sketch of, 94. 97 ; 95, 96, 98, 99,
Coriveau, M., 194. 100; Gen. Amherst and army embark
Cork, victualling vessels from,'5ii, 498, from, loi ; express from, 103 ; 104,
507. 105, 106; Gen. Amherst and army
Come, Lieut, de la, escort of prisoners leave, 108 ; settlers at, 367.
from Fort William Henry under com- Crown Point, in New York City, 372,
mand of, 29. 380.
Cornelia, John, a sawyer, 44. Cruger's Wharf, destruction by fire of
Cornelia, one, a wagoner, 103. Capt. Montresor's dwelling and store-
Cornwall, ship of war, 507. houses on, 8, 126.
Cornwallis, Lord, 130; surrender of, Culiere, la riviere de la, halt of Brad-
137; regiment of, 214, 220; 420, street's expedition at, 283 ; 312,322.
446; defeats rebels at Bound Brook, Cumly, Mr., 31, 41, 42; 43.
421; 451; posted near Chester, 452; Cumming, Capt., an American, killed,
joined by Howe, at the White Horse, 447.
454; near French Creek, 455; occu- Cunningham, Capt., 28; William, 523.
pies Philadelphia, 458; 477; takes Curie, Sergt., 85.
possession of Red Bank, 478 ; at Curtenies, Mr. , 90. ,
Gloucester, 479, 480; 497, 516. Cuyler, Mr., 146.
Cornwallis, the ship, 452, 488. Cygnes, la Riviere aux, 292.
Corsica, 7.
Cortlandt, Mr., Sons of Liberty seize
lands of, 362 ; threatened by West- Dallas, Capt. , an American, killed, 447.
Chester levellers, 363. Dalrymple, Maj., 118; CoL, 399, 407,
Coudres, isle aux, 203; 204; 205, 216, 409.
229. Daly, Maj., command of, 275, 276.
Couenoven, Francis, 44. Daly, one, chief carpenter of New York,
Council, held by desire of Six Nations, 350.
306, 307 ; of Indians, 310. Daly, Quartermaster, 273.
Courtehose, William, 3. Dans Camber, the, 15, 54, 70.
Courts- Martial, 98, loi, 288, 289, 303, Danvers, danger of Gen. Gage at, 123.
305, 467. D'AnviUe, Due, 401, 406.
Court of Enquiry, 64, 319. Daphne, frigate, 482, 483, 50a
Couting, Mr., iii. . Darby, CoL, 92. 93, 100.
Coventry, Capt., 81 ; Lieut., 88, 89, 90, Darby Road, 133.
93, 95, 102. Darby, 477, 482.
Coventry, frigate, 329; guards vessel Darcy, Capt., 66, 70; Mr., 108, iii.
with stamps, 336 ; family of Lieuten- Dartmouth, 154 ; attack by the Indiajis
ant Governor of New York- seek pro* near, 156.
tection on, 338; 341, 366, 370, 371, Daubant, A., ^23.
375f 3S4, 3S0. Dauphin, Bastion, Louisbourg, 175.
552 INDEX.
Davis, Capt., 339; of the Edward, 376; 448, 460, 461, 467, 480, American,
Mr., 93. from Wilmington, 492.
Dawson, one, a provincial officer, insults Deserts, les, Acadia, i8p.
English officers, 382. D'Estaing, Count, arrival off Sandy
Dawson, Richard, 523. Hook of fleet of, 504; list of fleet
D^y, Edy, 44. of, 504; sends ships to the Delaware
Day, Capt Lieut., 228. river, 504.
Deane, Simeon, arrives with French De Temay, Capt., 180.
treaty, 489. Detroit^ relief of the garrison of, 5,
Debbing, Capt. Hugh, 126, 175, 176, 119; nver of, 119; 14^; peace prop-
245i 523. ositions from Indians at, 252; 253;
De Barr^, Gen., 518. vessels for, 266; works at, 268, 285;
Debouillie, de, river, 315, 317. 268, 269, 273 ; CoL Gladwin corn-
Debt, American, amount of, 495. manding at, 274; 276, 277; assembly
De Couagne, Mr., 262. of Indian nations at, 278; arrival of
De Gallon, Capt., 252. CoL Bradstreet's expedition at, 284,
Deep Water Island. See Mud Island. 285 ; oath of allegiance to England
Defiance, 176. administered to inhabitants of. 285 ;
Delancey, Mr., 350; O., judge at trial garrison of, 286; 288; 292: Indian
of Pendegrast, 384 ; Peter, 347, re- council at, 288 ; number of Indians
signs as stamp officer, 340 ; sloop, possible to assemble at, 302 ; Indians
7a I at discontented, 38a
Dcdancey's Mills, West Chester, capture Devil's Mountain, Acadia, 190.
of Americans at, 506. Devoe, Aaron, 28.
De Lancy, Lieut., 534. Devonshire, frigate, 153, 164, 175, 206,
Delavall, Thomas, grant of Little Bam 217.
Island to, 126. De Wit, iii.
Delaware, American frigate captured, D'Herbel, M., 118.
459, 460, 461 ; 478. Diamond, Cape, Quebec, fortification
Delaware, Capes of, French fleet off the, of, 2^3, 234.
506. Diana, frigate, 152, 153, 176, 205, 216,
Delaware Indians, 263, 266, 280, 292, 236, 237, 238, 23^, 240. 241, 242.
293, 294, 295, 296, 298, 299, 300, Diana, la, French frigate, 188.
302, 303, 304; towns of, 307, 310; Dick, Mr., 25.
311; cabins of, abandoned, 307 ; en- Dickson, Robert, 30, 34, 41.
treat for peace, 280 ; flight of, 306 ; Dickson, Capt., 503.
old fort of the, 297 ; terms of peace Dies, John, 11, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24,
between Col. Bradstreet and the, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 43, 47* 52,
27s ; with Croghan, 380. See Shaw- 54, 55, 58, 61, 62, 64, 66, 67, 68, 71,
anesc. 74, 75» 77. 78» 81, 82, 83, 86, 87, 94,
Delaware River, fortification at Mud 07, 98, loi.
Island in the, 5; works on the, no;. Dike, Lieut., 105.
130, 132, 497, 408; sickness in the Dilworth Town, 450, 452,516.
British fleet on the, 500, 501 ; 503, Dindes, isle aux, 289.
511. Dispatch the, sloop of war, 506,
Demler, George, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21,24, ^507-
25, 30, 41, 46, 47, 51, 70, 71, 75, Dissenters, of Scotland and North
100, 15a America, coalition between, 391.
Demler, Mrs., 12; 16. Disturbances at Albany, 377 ; at Pough*
Denecher, Michael, 87. keepsie, 377.
Dennison, Mr., 60. Dixon, Capt., no, 175, 176; Mr., 126,
Denny, Gov. Wm., 66. 127 ; Maj., 6, 146 ; Matthew, 523.
Denny's, British headquarters at, 505. Dobbs Ferry, 70.
De Peyster, J., 74 ; Mr., 92. Dominy Hook, 70.
De Pybu, Mr., 103. Donaky, one, 34; Sergt., 47.
De Ruynes, Engineer, 55; 60; Capt., Donaldson, Col., 51.
64. Donop Count, 121, 137, 446 ; mortally
Deserters, from Bradstreet, 319; from wounded, 469; repulse of forces un-
British, 444 ; from Americans, 445, der, 472.
INDEX.
553
Doughty, one, shopkeeper in the High-
lands, dispossessed by mob, 361.
Douw/.Mayor of Albany, 337, 398.
Dow, Capt., 7a
Dowe, Capt., 46.
Dow, Volkert, 80.
Downing Town, 453.
Doyle, Charles O., 542.
Doyle, Lieut., 534.
Dragon, French frigate, 180.
Dragoons, 1 6th, 456; i6th and 17th,
499 ; 17th, arriye at New York, 427 ;
17th, 479. 484, 487-
Drake, , 140.
Drummond, Lord, 141.
Dublin, frigate, 152, 153, 164, 175,
216.
Deschambeau, 241.
Duch^, M., sent to jail, 460.
Ducher, Maj., 85.
Duckafaux, Capt., i8a
Dudgeon, Richard, 523.
Duke Cumberland, packet, 343, 348,
362, 363.
Dtt Lubin, Capt., 504.
Dumas, Maj., 241.
Dunbar, Mr., put to death for aiding
British army, 539.
Duncan, Maj., 254, 255, 256.
Dundass, David, 523; Wm., 523.
Dundonald. Earl of, death of, 167.
Dunmore, Lord, 126.
Dupas, island of, 247.
Du Quesne, fort, 4, 282. See Pitt.
Du Quougne, interpreter, 259.
Durell, Admiral Philip, fleet of, 204,
217.
Durkee, Maj., 80, 81, 86, 93, 99, 100,
102.
Dumford, Aug., 523 ; Elias, 523 ;
Gen., 144; Engineer, 162; Lieut.,
175. 176, 377-
Durowe^s regiment 209, 214, 223.
Dutch Church, ground purchased from
elders of, at Albany, 332 ; Mr. Laidlie,
minister of, preaches seditious sermon,
350.
Dyer, Samuel, 120.
Eagle, frigate, 420, 428, 429, 486, 487,
494. 5oo» 50^ 50*.
Earthquake, shock of, 478.
East Bay, 19.
East Creek, post at, 82, 83.
Ebbeth, Daniel, 542.
Echo, r, French frigate, 188.
Eden, Mr., 136, 497.
Edgecomb, Capt., 173.
Edward, Fort. See Fort Edward.
Edward, ship, 339, 376.
Efhngham, Amencan frigate, 49a
Egmont, the, 366.
Eiser, J. C, 523.
Eldridge, Edmund, 542. •
Elizabeth, ship, 151, 327.
Elisabeth Point, 66.
Elisabeth Town, 57, 504; American
force under Gens. Maxwell and Mor-
gan at, 506.
Elk, American ressels left at, 443;
British expedition land at head of,
442 ; troops from head of, 481 ; ferry,
Britbh forces land at, 515; river,
148.
Elkton, British leave, 447.
Ellis, Sergt., court martial and sentence
on, 102; 103.
Emmerick's corps, 511, 513.
Engineers, British, department of, 7^ ;
new establishment of, 89, 92, 93 ; dis-
position after surrender of Louisbourg
of the, 175 ; orders to the coi^ of,
370; corps of, 517, 523; return of,
534.
English Neighborhood, Amencan force
under Gen. Gates at, 503.
English, Indian discords an aid to the,
302; Six Nations enemies to the, 305.
Enmorandies, 181.
Entreprenant, French frigate, 185, 187.
Erie, fort, troops at, 275 ; new post at
Niagara named, 278 ; 284, 285, 301 ;
works at discontinued, 318.
Erie, Lake, John Montresor's map of,
253 ; 264, 265, 268, 269, 270 ; post at
the mouth of, 272, 273 ; 275, 298 ;
severe storms on, 312-317, 320.
Erie Portage, works at, 297, 299, 300;
Indian councils at, 300, 301, 302, 303.
Erskine, Sir Henry, 118.
Erskine, Sir William, 131 ; 444; recon-
noitre of, 447 ; 456.
Esopus, 54.
Etna, fire ship, 158.
Etrangers, Regiment, 187.
Europe, ship, 153.
Evans, Robert, 542.
Execution, military, 452.
Expedition, British, A, B, 58; to the
Elk. forces on, 429.
Experiment, British gunboat, rescues
schooner Alert, 481 ; 482, 502. 510;
chased by French fleet, 511.
Eyres, Lieut. Col. William, 13, 34, 35,
47. S2» 57, 62, 64, 68, 71, 76, 79,
81. 85, 90» 93, 94f 97, 102, 103, 105,
106, 149, 152, 253, 523.
554
INDEX.
Falmouth, England, packet from, ai,
510; 148, 500.
Falmouth, transporCf 154, 155.
Fanning's Provincial Corps, 504, 513.
Fanny, transport, 246.
Fantasque, le, French ship of war, 504.
Farmar, Mr., 54.
Farquhar, Col., 105 ; Capt., of the
Pollv, 386.
Farrell's, 35, 45, 46, 47» S'-
Fatland Ford, 419, 457.
Faucett, William, Col., 391.
Fellows, Capt., 83.
Felthousen, John, 2a
FentoD, Mr., 85.
Ferdinand, Prince, victory of, over the
Frendh, loi.
Ferguson, Mr., 82 ; Secretary to British
Commissioners, 136, 497.
Feviers. la pointe aux, encampment of
Col. Bradstreet's troops at, 292.
Ferrington, Brig. Maj.,461.
Ferris, Capt., provincial, 83.
Fesch, Capt., 29.
Fidelle, la, French frigate, 188.
Field, Charles, 542.
Fielding, deserter, 88; Harriet, 4;
Henry, 4 ; Sir John, 4.
Finch, Capt., of the Grenadiers, death
of, 426 ; one, a leveller, reward for,
365.
Fisher, Ensign, 70; Mr., 125.
Fisher, James C., 541.
Fish-hawk, schooner, 245.
Fishkill, American forces move to, 513 ;
bank of the, 41.
Fister, Mr., 79.
Fitch, Lieut., 86.
Fitch's Regiment, 78, 87.
Fitzpatrick, Capt., British commissioner
of cartel, 484.
Flathead, Indians, 300; Delawares
informed by one, 306.
Flat island, 198.
Fleet, American on Delaware, burnt,
478, 490, 491 ; British, sails from
New York, 429, off mouth of Dela-
ware, 431, off Annapolis, 441, in the
Elk, 441, of transports, 482, sails for
England, 514.
Fletcher, Capt., 31, 32, 38; death of,
224.
Fleming, Capt., 89.
Flinn, Mr., 91.
Flora, ship, 420.
Flushing, L. I., 510; 512.
Ford, George, of Pasoosy Island, 441.
Fotn, island of, 25 1 .
Folle avoine, production of, 293.
Forage, British party, 445, 480.
Forbes, Col., 47, 48, 49, 59; Brig., 62,
63; Gen., 152.
Forbes' Regiment, arrival at Fort Ed-
ward of, 33; 77, 83, 177, 296.
Forman, Rd., 322 ; William, paymas-
ter, 381, 536.
Forster, Capt., 69.
Forsyth, Mr., 82.
Fort, American at Red Bank, 465.
Fort Ann, encampment of the French
near, 22.
Fort Edward, stores for, 11, 16, 17,44,
64; payments at, 12; works at, 17,.
18, 20, 22, 24. 26, 27, 28. 33, 34, 46,
48^ 49. 5«. 7^ 148* i49» 150, 151 ;
tampering of a French officer with
soldiers at, 19 ; survey near, 21, 27 ;
attack of Frendi Indians <m carpen^
ters at, 22 ; 23 ; signals between Fort
William Henry and, 24 ; 25 ; ar-
rival of Sir William Johnson and
Lord Howe at, 26, 27 ; departure of
paroled officers and men from, 29;
French escort of prisoners to, 29;
armament of, 30; arrival of Forbes
and Blakeney's regiments at, 33;
capabilities of, 36, 39, 40; regulars
and provincial troops at, 36 ; people,
36 ; council of war at, 38 ; plan of,
48; 51; barracks burnt at, 53; 59;
plan of block-house at, 69; 70, 74,
75» 76, 77. 78. 8i» 83, 84, 85; rein-
forcement of, 88; 89, 90, 91, 97, 99;
repair of, loi ; 104, 105, 106, 107,
109 ; defence by Capt. John Mon-
tresorof, 117 ; journal of Capt. John
Montresor at, 148-151 ; completion
of works at, 150; 152; orders for
evacuation of, 352.
Fort George. New York City, 5 ; de-
fence of, 120; names of, 327.
Fort George, state of the garrison at,
104; 106, 109,110. See Fort Wil-
liam Henry.
Fort Halifax, lands between Canada
and, 119.
Fort Hunter, 97.
Fort Independence, Capt. John Montre-
sor's surprise of, 121.
Fort Miller, 77, 91, 106.
Forts, in New York province, report on,
343, 344.
Fort Stanwix, plans of, 65; 70* 71, 73,
78, 79, 80, 85, 254, 256.
Fort, Old, of Sandusky, 306.
Fort Washington, 123.
Fort William Henry, stores for, 11; 13,
14,16,17; French drive party into, 20;
IKOEX.
555
22, 23, 24. 25 ; French invest, 23-27 ;
reinforcement of, 23, 25, 39 ; council
of war at, 24, 37 ; signals between Fort
Edward and, 24 ; works at, 24 ; 37 ;
force of French before, 26 ; capitula-
tion of, 28 ; 29 ; 30 ; excesses of the
Indians after capitulation of. 28; 29 ;
destruction of, 28 ; 29 ; embarkation
of the French from, 30 ; naval force
at» 37. 38; 49; attack on, 117, 149,
218.
Fort William, in Scotland, Maj. Mon-
tresor Lieut. Gov. of, 3, 124.
Forth, Lieut. Arthur, 534.
Foster, Elias, 541.
Foster's Mill, 123.
Four Mile Post, 92, 106.
Four Nations, Indians of the, 275.
Fox, Mr., I38,I40» 146.
Fox, frigate, captured and rescued, 439.
Fox Indians, 257, 275.
France, rebels* remittances to, 117.
Franklin, Benjamin, meeting of Lord
Howe with, 136 ; 138, 14a
Franks, Justice, 254.
Frazer, Andrew, 523 ; Brig, Gen. Si-
mon, 118.
Frazer's Highlanders, review of, 68 ;
177, 196, 217.
Frederick, Mr., 75, 76; letter of Col.
James Montresor to, 87.
Frederick, fort, abandonment by the
French of, 232.
Freehold Courthouse, American loss in
the action of. 501.
French armed ship captured, 494.
French army, before Fort William
Henry, force of, 38 ; flag, in posses-
sion of Oneida chief, 30^ ; fort be-
tween Lake Sandusky and Lake Erie,
297 ; fleet, movements of, 503, 506,
508 ; Indians, Capt. Putnam's Attack
on, 18 ; 19 ; oflicer, killed, 493 \ pris-
oners, 108, 109 ; treaty, 489 ; vessel
for the, built in New York, 365.
French, Lieut., 106; Quartermaster,
53; Mr., Secretary of Governor
Moore, 358.
Frontenac, Fort, 253.
Fry, Col. , 28 ; provincials under, 30.
Fulsom, Capt., 104.
Fundy*s, 110.
Furnis, Maj. James, 14, 17, 28, 55, 57,
60, 63, 64, 65, 68, 78, 80, 83, 84, 85,
86, 87, 99, 102, III, 386.
Fyers, Lieut., 131, 517.
Gabarusbay, British fleet arrive in, 157,
180 ; action in, 157 ; 158, i8a
Gage, Gen. Thomas, 57, 64, 71, 7S»77»
78 ; arrival at Johnson's Camp from
Ticonderoga of, 85 ; 88, 90, 95, 104,
no, 116, no; dftngerat Danversof,
123; theft of papers of, 135; 136, 139,
140, 253 ; disapproves Bradstreet's
treaty, 298 ; demands Indian murder-
ers, 299, 301 ; despatches to Col*
Bradstreet ?rom, 298, 302 ; appointed
Commander-in-chief, 321 ; letter of
respecting removal of barracks at Al-
hanji 333; orders survey of New
York, 342, 344$ orders report on
New York forts, 343 ; letter of to
ministry respecting billeting act,
350 ; instructions of respecting Castle
William, 399, 409 ; 526 ; letters of
to Bouquet respecting iTradstreet's
treaty, 527-531.
Gaine, Hugh, printer, 58, 135.
Galatea, ship of war, 512.
Galots, Isle aux, 241, 251.
Galloway, Joseph, 123, 129; owner of
Mud Island, 417; Supt. of police at
Philadelphia, 539.
Gallows Hill, Louisbourg, 169.
Gambler. Admiral James, 502 ; succeeds
Lord Howe, 513.
Game, great quantity and variety of,
at Bradstreet's camp, 308.
Gardiner, Dr., 123; Mr., 104, 146;
Maj., 465.
Garland, frigate, 326, 328, 336, 341,
352, 361, 371.
Garth, Lt. CoL George, 65, 69, 70, 73,
77, 78, 86, 93, 103, 104, 105, 106,
109, 144, 523.
Gasp^, 174, 196, 198.
Gates, Capt., 25, 64 ; Gen., 472, force
at English Neighborhood under, 503.
Gautier Bay, 180; 181.
Gaylard, Capt., 99.
Gazette, Holt's, licentiousness of, 353 ;
seditious article in, 365, 369.
General Wall, packet, 67, 79.
Genessee Indians, castles of the, 266;
peace granted to, 299; 301.
Genoa, packet, 206.
Cientilly, oath of fidelity administered
to the parish of, 242.
George, Fort. See Fort George.
George, Island, 154; 155; landing of
British troops on, 156.
George, Lake. Gen. Amherst encamps
at, 78 ; works at, 79, 80 ; fight on,
81 ; 87, 109, 296.
George III., 6 ; mutilation of the statue
of, 123; birthday of celebrated in
New York, 371.
55^ INDEX.
Georgia, the governor of, enforces Goutte, Commodore, le Marquis de, 179.
stamp act, 348. Governor's Island, Boston Harbor, 401;
Germaine, Lord George, 127, 145, 147. New York Harbor, 132, surveyed by
German troops in American service, Capt. Montresor, 386.
518. Governors, provincial, circular letter to,
German Flats, works at, 13; French 349.
and Indian attack on, 49. Gown's, Mr., 121.
Germantown, action at, 129, 130; 132, Goyougouin, bay of, 25 S
>3S> 4^^ ; British army at, 458, Grace, Ensign Camis, captured by Brit-
463 ; 467 ; Britbh Commissioners ish, 496.
meet American Commissioners at, Grace, ship, 385.
483 ; British movement on, 494. Graham, Gordon, Maj., 86 ; Lieut., 97,
Germantown, Boston Harbor, 408. 100.
Geyser, ship, 352. Gramont, le due de, sloop of war, 153,
Gibraltar, 3, 4, 7; letters from, 63 ; 69; 154, 156, 158, 176.
Skinner and Patoun's scrape at, loi ; Granadas, the, stamps current in, 346.
Capt. John Montresor s services at, Granby, Lord, 389, 300, 391, 392.
116; siege of, 124; 147. Grand Caverns, Louisbourg, 185.
Gilles, John, 541. Grande Riviere, 313, 314, 322.
Gilliams (Gillian), Henry, 22, 30, 41. Grant, Gen. James, 131, 143 ; at Aik-
Gladwin, Col. Henry, 5, 253, 274, 286. in's Tavern, 445; 448, 451, 499, 515,
Gladwin, schooner, 269, 273, 276, 277, 516; Col., 33, 45.
290. Grant, Capt., 102, 104, 105.
Glasgow, victuallers from, 512. Grant, John, paymaster, 420, 534, 536,
Glass House, the, 59 ; 60 ; 66 ; 68 ; 54a
70. Gray, Ensign, 81 ; Lieut., 90, 91, 105.-
Glass House, the old, at New Windsor, Gray's Ferry, 133, 134, 467, 469.
burnt, 329. Gray's Hill, near Elk, 443.
Glazier, Col., 32, 38. Grayson, Gen. William, corps of, 518.
Glegg, Capt., 97, 104. Green, Captain William, 46, 47, 49, ^i.
Glen, Col., 52. 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 62, 63,
Glenn, Governor James, 96, iii. 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 77, 78, 79,98, 218,
Gloucester, Comwallis at, 479 ; 483, 523.
499. Greenberry Point, 441.
Goat* s Island, 180, 182. Greene, Gen. Nathaniel, 517, 518.
Goddard, Assistant Engineer, i6a Green Hill, Louisbourg, 162, 163, 164,
Goddard, Capt., 321, 371, 375. 165, 167, 168, 169.
Godwin, Lieut., 253. Green Island, 201.
Goelet, Mr., 9a Green, ship, 323.
Goldfrass, Mr., 87. Greenwich, 69.
Gony, Mr., barber, 69. Gregory, Henry, 542.
Croodridge (Goodrich), Capt., 343, 362, GrenviUe, George, 139 ; effigy of burnt,
365- 342» 343 ; 350.
Goose Cape, 203. Grey, Gen. Charles, Earl, joins Knyp-
Goram, Capt., 216, 229. hausen^ 444; attacks Gen. Wayne,
Goram's post, 231. 455 ; expedition of to Martha's Vine-
Gordon, Harvey, 12. yard, 513.
Gordon, Capt. Henry, 12, 17, 18, a6. Greyhound, frigate, 420, 483, 485, 489,
28, 30. 3 ^ 32» 34. 38, 45. 46, 48, 49» 494. 503-
51, 53, 58, 62, 63, 64, 65 ; plan and Griffith, Mr., 66.
journal of, 65; 66, 77, 92, 93, iii, Griscomb, Samuel, 128, 129, 541, 542.
144, 148, 152, 321, 322, 323, 326, Grondines, Les, 238, 239, 240; church
337. 345. 347. 3^0, 365. 3^0, 523- of, 239; bar of, 240.
Gordon's Ford, 419, 457. Gually, Mr., 73.
Gordon, Stilt, 58. Guden, Mr., 509.
Goshen meeting, 452. Gucrrier le, French ship of war, 504.
Gosport, ship, 151. Guienne, Regiment of, 30, 245.
Gouge, Thomas, 541. Gullian. See Gillian.
Gould, Mr., 13. Givin, Maj., 485.
INDEX.
557
Haas, de, Gen. John Phillip, 518.
Racket, Maj., 56, 64.
Haddonfield, 481 ; Americans surprised
near, 484 ; Gen. Knyphausen posted
at, 499.
Hagenboom, iii.
Haldane, Lieut. Col. Henry, 144;
wounded, 446 ; 467, 492, 517, 539.
Haldimand, Gen. Sir Fr^erick, 79 f 16 ;
correspondence of, 531-533.
Half Moon, post at, 17 ; 34, 35, 45, 46,
47» 49. 5o» 51, 76» 77. 95. »<», 107.
109, 149, 150.
Half-way Brook, S4, 88, 99 ; post at,
100; 105.
Half-way Run, 22, 25, 29.
Halifax, town of, 6, 15 ; stores at, 46,
56 ; war material at, 60 ; 147, 148 ;
Col. Bastide chief engineer at, 152 ;
153 ; encampment opposite, 154; en-
gineers at, 175; troops from Louis*
bourg for, 175 ; stamps current in,
346 ; 507 ; the packet, 339.
Hall, Lieut., 347 ; John, 54a.
Hallam, Lieut., Sons of Liberty hostile
to, 353 ; life of threatened, 354.
Hallet's Cove, 508.
Hamet, packet, 50a
Hamilton, Mr., 29, 59, 155; death of,
224 ; H., 135 ; Lieut., 51a
Hamilton's House, 460.
Hammond, Capt., of the Roebuck, 46a
Hampshire, frigate, 152, 153.
Hampton, Jonathan, 541, 542.
Hampton, Va., 147.
Harcourt, Lieut. Col., excursion of,
455.
Hardie, French frigate, 180.
Hardy, Admiral Sir Charles, 152, 154,
155, 159 ; pursuit of French vessels by,
164, 165, 169; 166; fleet of, 173.
Hardy, Maj., 209.
Hare island, 202.
Harlem, Montresor's Island near, 6,
126 ; action on Vandewater's Heiglits
near, 121.
Harriot, C. H., 523.
Harrison, Mr., 30; George, 341; En-
sign, death of, 83.
Hart, Lieut., 511.
Hartford, 59 ; revolutionists at, 347.
Hartley, Col. Thomas, corps of, $i^
Harvey, Maj., no.
Hasel's Ferry, Americans retreat to,
45?.
Hastmgs, Capt., 86; arrest of, 93;
court martial on, 95, 96, 97 ; sentence
of, 97.
Hasweil, Mary, 4 ; Robert, 4, 63, 69,
III, 218; Robert Jr., 4; Susanna,
4; William, 4.
Hathom, Capt., 370.
Hautville, Col. de, 3 ; Nanon de, 3.
Haviland, Col., 246, 248, 250.
Havilhind, Capt., 345, 346.
Hawk, ship ot war, 174, 176, 328, 377.
Hawkins, Mr., 12, 14, 25, 55, 57, 64,
^. 74. 75. 76, 77. 78, 79. 80. 81. 82,
83. 87, 90. 9^ 92. 93. 94» 95. 102,
103, 104, 106, no.
Hay, Capt., 97, 99, 100 ; Lord Charles,
151.
Hazen, Capt., 216; scout of, 227.
Heard, Gen., 136.
Heath, Joseph, 523.
Heathcote, Capt., of the Royal Artil-
lery, insulted by Sons of Liberty, 383.
Hebert, one, a servant, 15, 19, 20, 25,
27, 103, 106.
Hector le, French frigate, 504.
Heister, Gen. de, 422, 428.
Hell Gate, ba'tery at Hom*s Hook
near, 506.
Hemstreat, John, 13.
Hendrick's, corps, 518.
Herlopen Cape, 502.
Hepburn, Dr., 104.
Herkimer, Fort, 73, 254.
Herkimer's, road to, 71.
Hesse Cassel, John Montresor at, 141 ;
English customs introduced by Hes-
sian troops in, 141.
Hessians, 121 ; 2d regiment of, 427 ;
missing, 443; 446, 469, 470; ex-
changed, 486, 500 ; cross the Dela-
ware, 498 ; 499.
Hicks, George, 86.
Highlanders, the, 49, 67, 75, 89, 90,
150, 169, 214, 217, 223, 226, 232,
238. 275, 347, 373-
Highlands, the, 54, 7a
Hill, Mr., 30; Capt., 83.
Hiliegar, Mr., 119.
Hillsboro, 130.
Hillsborough, Lord, order of, 119.
Hillsborough redoubt, 405.
Hind, frigate, 153, 154, 155, 176, 204,
ai6, 369.
Hind's, Regiment, 513.
Hoboken, 15, 17.
Hogan. one, 16.
Hogan's sloop, 75.
Hog Island Bar, 476.
Hogs, rattlesnakes extirpated by, 274.
Hokesson Meethig House, 448, 516.
Holland, Capt, 533.
Holmes, Aamiral, 209, 210; Capt.,
108; Jenny, 108.
558
INDEX.
Holt, printer, licentiousness of his Ga-
zette, 353, 365, 377.
Homespun, manufacture of encouraged,
368 ; Sons of Liberty throw off, 369.
Hood. See Hud.
Hook, the, 59.
Hooper^s Island, rebels on, 440.
Hopkins, Col., 364.
Hopson, Gen. , expedition under, 35 ; 61.
Hopson's Regiment, 160, 177.
Hom*s Hook, battery at, 506.
Horn's Point, American fort on, 441.
Horses, number of in British arm/, 494.
Horsemanden, Judge, tries Prendergast,
384.
Hotham, Commodore, 503.
Hovenden, Capt., 4^5.
Hovenden's Provincial Dragoons, 488 ;
at Cooper's Ferry, 490.
Howard, Capt., 105, 287.
Howard, Chief Justice of North Caro-
lina, rewarded and employed by Lord
Rockingham, 372.
Howe, Lord George Augustus, arrival at
Fort Edward of, 26 ; 30, 48, 49 ; regi-
ment of, 49; 50, 57, 62 ; 63.
Howe, Lord Richard, 6; meets Benj-
amin Franklin, 136 ; bon mot of
141 ; 428, 441, 485, 486, 487, 494i
joo, 501, 504, 507 ; fleet of leaves New
York, 509, 511 ; resignation of, 513.
Howe, Sir William, John Montresor on
staff of, 6, 146; 116, 121, 123; letter
of, 127 ; neglects John Montresor,
' 127; 128; criticism on, 130; 137,
^ 140, 144; issues general order of
thanks, 145; 146, 212, 227, 389; at
Amboy, 421 ; expedition of, to the
Chesapeake, 428; 441; joins Com-
wallis, 454 ; adverse remarks on oper-
ations at Mud Island, 467 ; crosses the
Schuylkill, 480; interview of, with
Gen. Chas. Lee, 484 ; recall of, 484 ;
485, 491 ; sails for England, 493, 494 ;
discontent of the army at departure
of, 49855 '5» 540.
Howes, Mrs., ** the two," 106.
HowelPs Tavern, 454.
Hud, Zacharias, stamp master, at Flush'
ing, 340.
Hudson^s liver, draught of, 55 ; 379.
Hughes, Ann, loi ; Lieut., 327 ; Thos.,
541 1 542.
Hunter, Capt., of the Elitabeth, 327;
Col., 35, 46; Mr., 59, III; Mrs.,
21.
Hunter, the, ship of war, 153, 157, 176,
202, 216.
Hurbert, Lieut., 49.
Hurley, Ensign, of 44th Regiment, exe-
cuted for desertion by British, 463.
Huron, Andrew the, 307.
Huron Indians, 258, 275; terms of
peace between Col. Bradstreet and
the, 27^ ; ask for peace, 280 ; sum-
mons of Col. Bradstreet to the, 283 ;
288, 291, 293, 298, 299, 300 ; death
of chief of, 301, 302; 303, 304; give
news of flight of Delaware?, 306, 307 ;
311, 312; villages of, 288, 290, 293,
295» 296, 299.
Huron, Lake, 267, 291.
Huron, River, chart of the mouth of,
286, 312, 322.
Hussar, galley, launched, 486.
Hutchins, Lieut., 100, 139.
Hutchinson, Gov. Thomas, 399 ; in-
structions of Gen. Gage laid before,
409; 531, 532.
Hutchinson, British D. Ad. Gen., order
of for departure from Philadelphia,
493.
Hyde, Lord, packet, 347, 486.
Hylton, Engineer, death of, 55.
Hynd, ship of war, 176.
Illinois Indians, message to the, 284;
country of the, 300.
Illinois express, arrives in New Orleans,
327.
Impressment of seamen, 150.
Inchisburg, Heights of, 121.
Independents, Guard of, 109.
Indian, congress, 270, 271, 272, absence
of Seneca chiefs from, 274 ; 275, 345,
374; councils, 258, 259,264, 271,
290 ; at Erie portage, 300, 302, 303 ;
fort, old, 297.
Indians, number of, at Sandusky, 305 ;
from Detroit, arrive at Bradstrect's
camp, 308, 310; treacherous designs
of, 328 ; assembled on the Miami to
attack Bradstreet, 309 ; of the Upper
Nation, enemies to the Delawares
and Shawanese, 311 ; Delaware and
Shawanese killed, ^27 ; attack of, on
Croghan, 332 ; killed by people of
Augusta, 376 ; with Croghan, 380 ; at
Detroit, discontented, 380 ; to join
the British, 421 ; Bradstreet's treaty
with, 526-531 ; massacre by, 528.
See also under the special name.
Infantry, British Light, 446; recon-
noitres of, 447, 487.
Ingersoll, Capt., 21, 30; Mr., 44.
Inniskillingers, Regiment of, 109.
Instructions of Gen. Gage to Capt.
Montresor, 409.
INDEX.
559
lonitx, Baron, an American officer, cai>«
turcd, 445.
Iron Hill, British troops at, 444, 446 ;
448.
Iron Works on French Creek, Pa., 324.
Iroquois, Indians, belt from Pontiac to
the, 286, 287 ; 294 ; remains of an
Indian fort for defence against the,
297.
Isis, ship of war, 476, 484, 501, 510.
Islam, ship, 155.
Island Battery, Louisbourg, 174.
Island, Twelve Mile, 322.
Isle aux Noix, command at, 242 : re*
ported capture of, 246 ; French force
at, 248, 249 ; 250, 252.
Isle-au-Perrot, 118.
Isles de Quatre Vents, les, 324.
Isthmus, Lake Erie, 322.
{ackson, Mary, 98.
acques Cartier, French at, 232.
Jacques Cartier, river of, 237 ; fort at,
capture of, 118; 239, 240 ; village of,
525.
Jagers, the, 487.
Jamaica, L. I., temporary headquarters
of Sir Henry Clinton at, 508.
Jamaica, W. I., stamps current in, 346;
507.
Jambon, Lavu de, 191.
James' Dragoons, of Chester County,
Pa., 488.
James, Capt., 69; Maj., threatened bv
New York populace, 336, house of,
sacked, 337, embarks, for England,
339, returns to New York, 369,
house uf, threatened, 360, indemnity
for, 370, 380, threatened again, 383.
Jeffries, Capt., of the Britannic, 388.
Jeffries* Ford, British forces cross, 499.
Jemmy, one, 77.
Jenkins' Town, action near, 492.
Jenks* fulling mill, capture of Ameri-
cans at, 495, 496.
Jersey, New, evacuated by the British,
426.
Jersey troops. Sergeant of, missing, 316.
Joachim, scout to, 216, 228.
Johnson, Sir John, 389.
Johnson, Col., death of, 85.
Johnson, Gray, 79.
Johnson, Maj., 121.
Johnsone, Mr., 51.
Johnson, Sir William, arrives at Fort
Edward. 26, 27, 149 ; express from,
49; 263, 270, 271, 274, 278, 302,
332 ; congress of Indians to meet,
374.
Johnson's Camp, 23, 24, 37, 78, 79, 81,
82 ; arrival of batteaux with scalps at^
83; arrival of Provincials at, 83;
celebration of capture of Ticonderoga
at, 85 ; arrival of Gen. Amherst and
army at, 108 ; inspection of works at,
108, 109.
Johnson's Landing, 258.
Johnson, transport, 258, 260, 263, 264,
265, 266, 269, 270, 272, 274, 318 J
wreck of, 32a
Johnstone, Capt., 90.
ohnstone, Gov., 136, 139.
Johnston, Gen., 497.
John Thomas, transport, 15$.
Jones, Gen. Daniel, 144; Gen., 485.
Josephson, Mr,, 39.
Joy, John, 537, 538.
Juno, frigate, 176.
Kamuraska, islands of, 202, 203.
Kataraquil, 248.
Keech. Mr., 19; 5a
Kettar, Engineer, 142, 218, 228.
Kennebec River, fort Halifax on the,
119.
Kennedy, Capt., engineer, 168: Capt.
of the Coventry, superseded, 3389
352 ; house of threatened, 343.
Kennedy's (43d) regiment, 217.
Kennedy's Island, 121.
Kennett's Square, Knyphausen at, 448 $
British army at, 449 ; 516.
Kennington Cove, 160, 161, 162; cap-
ture of men by Indians near, 161.
Kennington, sloop, 176.
Kensington, ship, 158.
Kenute, Jacob, 35.
Keppel, Capt., 485.
Kickapoo. See Quicapou.
Kilby, Mr., 66, 68; provision store of
at Albany, 332, 394, 395, 397.
Kill Buck, Indian chief, 302.
Killingbeck, B., profile likeness of Gen.
Wolfe by, 5.
Kinderhook, 15, 70, ill.
King, Thos. M., 542.
King George, ship, 176.
King Thomas, Indian chief, 303 ; 308,
309-
King's Bastion, Louisbourg, 171, 174.
King's birthday, anthem for the, 104;
lois, 261.
King's Bridge, Cox's tavern at, 1235
march of troops to, 505 ; skirmishes
at and near, 511 ; attack on outpost
near, 512. »
King's College, Commencement of, 367.
Kmg's shipyard, New York, 506.
560 INDEX.
Kingston, frigate, 176. L'Aubini^re, Cape, 237; church of,
Kip's Bay, landing of British force at, 239.
121. Laurel Hill, march of troops to, 505.
Kirlcbright, Mr., house of burned, 490. La venue, Mr., 74, 75, 76, 77, 93, 95,
Knap, John Coghill, placarded, 342. 102.
Knight, Mr., 146. La Venue's, 71, no.
Knyphausen, Lieut. Gen., 141, 428, La Varennes, 118.
encamps at Cecil Court House, 444 ; Lawrence's battalion, 177, 214; bat-
445 ; troops of at Aikin's tavern, tery, 223.
446; at Kennett Square, 448 ; head- Lawrence, Gen. Charles, 159; Gov.,
quarters of, 453 ; in command at orders of, respecting the Acadians,
Philadelphia, 480; 497, 516. 195, 196.
Lawson's corps, 518.
La Badick, 188. Leake, Mr., 88.
Labrador, Lake, journal of a route from Le Bran, Capt., 504.
Louisbourg to, 188-192. Le Due de Gramont, ship of war, 154.
Labrador Mountain, 191. Lee, Capt., 106.
Lac, Fort du, 303. Lee, Gen. Charles, prisoner, arrives at
La Clae, M., furnishes supplies to In* New York from Amboy, 420; 482;
dians, 29^. interview of with Sir William Howe,
Lac, Le Pomt du, 302. 484 ; on parole, 484.
Lacy, Gen., retreats before the British, Lee, John, 542.
488. Lee, Sheriff, 120.
Lady Gage, ship, 123. Leeke, Mr., appointed Auditor of Ac-
Lafayette, Gen., soldiers of killed, and counts, 353.
taken prisoners, 493 ; . landing of Lefanu, Theo., 523.
force of, in Rhode Island, 510. I^ger, Lieut., 137.
La Galette, 242, 256. Le Hunter, Maj., command of, 275.
La Grande Riviere, 282. Leicester, packet, 65.
Laidlie, Rev. Dr., seditious sermon of, Le Jeune, Mr., 188.
350. . L'Engageant, French ship of war, 504.
Lamb, Mr., 13, 69. Leostoff, frigate, 198, 216.
Lamb, counsellor to Sons of Liberty, Le Roy Rousilion, 229.
349. Lertie, Jean, 189.
Lamb Act, repealed by Sons of Liberty, Lertie, I^c a, 189.
369; repeal revoked, 370. Leslie, Mr., 24; Lieut., 50; Capt.,
Lancaster, frigate, 175. 233.
Lancaster, town of, 347, 516. Leslie, Brig. Gen. Alexander, 490, cor-
L'Ance, de la Petite Isle, 283. respondence of, 53i-S33«
L'Ange Guardien, action at the village Les Prairies de la Magdalene, surprised
of, 215; scout to, 216; destruction by Capt. John Montresor, 118.
of, 230, 231. Lestwyche, Capl., 61 ; packet Gen.
Languedoc, Battalion of, 18, 252. Wall commanded by, 67.
Languedoc, le, French ship of war, 504. Le Touche, Capt., 180.
La Noraye, 249, church of, 250, 251. Le Tresor, family of, 3.
Lansing, John, 12. Levellers, in Westchester, 360^ 361, 362,
La Petite Isle, 297, 302. 363, 365 ; on Livingston Manor, 366,
La Pierre, Isle, 287. 375, 376 ; maltreat justices, 372; ar-
Laroux, Mr., 15. rest of, 374 ; in Connecticut, 375, 376 ;
La Roque, Mr. , engraves maps of Capt. at Poughkeepsie, 376.
Montresor, 392. Levering's Ford, 419, 432.
La Sarre, Battalion of, 18 ; Lieut, of, Leviathan, the, formerly the Captain,
29. ship of war, 505, 506.
La Saline, 290. Levis, M., 241, 242, 247, 248, 249.
Lascelles Regiment, review of, 66; 160, Levi, one, 15.
177, 196, 207, 215, 217, 219, 227. Levi, Point, compulsory allegiance to
La Sensible, French frigate, 489. England of inhabitants of, 193 ; 195 ;
Lasher, Gen. John, 136. British passage to resbted, 207 ; 2gS;
Latouche, Mr., 69. attack on British camp at, 2oiS; bat-
INDEX.
561
teries south of, 210; 214, 217, 218;
Gen. Monckton captures, 219; 220,
222, 223, 226, 230.
Lewis Town, British fleet at, 501.
Lexington, battle of, John Montresor
at, 120.
Lightning, fireship, 176.
Ligonier Point, 324.
Ligonier, Sir John, 53.
Light Dragoons, i6th B. 427, 428 ;
17th B. 121.
Light Horse, one of the rebel, robs mar-
ket people, 486.
Light Infantry, 2d British, 456, 513.
Lincoln, Maj. Gen. Benjamin, baggage
of captured, 421 ; 518.
Littler, Capt., 21.
Little Bam Island, 6, 126.
Little Falls, 74.
Little Niagara, 260, 261, 265, 266, 279.
Little Tinnicum Island, 466.
Livingston, Mr., 54.
Livingston, Robert, 64.
Livingston Manor, 152 ; levellers on,
366 ; 28th regiment at, 375 ; disturb-
ances by levellers at, 375, 376.
Livingston, Waller, drives off levellers,
376.
Liverpool, ship, 427, 476.
Lizard, frigate, 216, 498, 501.
Locasini, Signor, 140.
Long Island, British troops sent to, 503,
5<M> 505, 509, 510 ; French fleet at
anchor off east end of, 508.
Long Island Sound, directions for navi-
gating, and points in, 410-414 ; 505,
506.
Long, Jacob, 20.
Long, Point de, post on, 193.
Longueuil, Gov., 241.
Lord Hyde, packet, 371, 393.
Lord Rollo, brigade of, 249, 250.
Lord, Sergt., 14.
Lorenbec, expedition against, 161 ; cap-
ture at, 163.
Loring, Corporal, 108 ; Capt., 109,
347 ; Commissary, 482.
Losbcrg, Gen., 513.
Lottery tickets, loi.
Loudoun, Lord, 13, 29 ; report of the
state of Fort Edward to, 33 ; 47, 48,
501 53» 54. 55. 56, 57. 58» 59 ; recall
of, 60; 62, 64, 116, 150 ; review by,
150.
Loudon, Fort, 528, 529.
Xx>udoun*s Ferry, no.
Louisbourg, siege of, 4, 151-188; 296;
plan of the city and fortress of, 47 ;
island of, scout of Capt. John Mon-
36
tresor to drive the Indians and Aca-
dians from, 117; 147; Capt. John
Montresor ordered to, 150; French
force at, 151 j troops for, 151 ;
cruise of Admiral Hardy off, 152 ;
sailing of the British fleet for, 153;
157 ; works at, 158, 159, 160, 161 ;
landing of British troops before, 158,
159 ; 160 ; harbor, reconnoissance of,
159, actions in, 158, 159, 160, ar-
rival of Sir Charles Hardy's fleet
in, 159, French sink their vessels
in, 164, vessels burnt in, 170, 185,
frigate captured in, 172 ; capture pf
the heights of, 159; Island Battery
near, 161, 168; arrival of Lord
Charles Hay at, 164; Princess Bas-
tion at, i6^ ; reinforcement of garri-
son at, 165 ; French sally at, 166,
167 : bastion Dauphin at, 167, 172 ;
bastion du Roi at, 167, 168^ line
of battle at siege of, 167; bastion de
la Reine at, 169, 171, 172 ; escape of
French frigate from, 169; burning,
lK)mbarding and cannonading of, 171,
172; capitulation of the garrison at,
'72» 173. 186; repair of the fortifi-
cations of, 173. 174 ; sailing for Eng-
land of the French garrison from,
174; departure of Gen. Amherst's
army from, 175 ; disposition of En-
gineers after surrender of, 175 ; list of
Admiral Bosca wen's fleet against, 175,
176 ; occupation of the town of, 175 ;
engineers on the expedition against,
176; troops for the expedition from
Halifax against, 177 ; 178, 170 ; post-
ing of French ships for the defence of,
179 ; French journal of the defence
of, 179-186; French squadron for
the defence of, 180; landing of Brit-
ish troops for the siege of, 180; 181 ;
neglect and inaction of the gover-
nor and officers at the siege o^ 181,
182, 183, 185, 186 ; bombardment of
French ships near, 181, 182; French
vessels sunk for defence of, 182, 183 ;
French regiments in, 187 ; French
war vessels at, 187, 188 ; state of the
garrison of, 187, 188 ; journal of a
route to Lake Labrador from, 188-
192 ; Brig. Gen. Whitmore, governor
of, 188; 190; return of Montresor's
inland scout to, 192; measures to
prevent Acadians joining the French
at, 195, 196; expedition against
Quebec from, 196; ships of war for
convoy at, 216; Grenadiers of, 230,
231, 233 ; troops at Quebec from,
562 INDEX,
241 ; troops of, 250 ; expedition Marie, French frigate, 246.
against, 253 ; troops against, en- Marine Regiment de, 187.
camped on Noddle Island, 401. Marin, Indian and French, officer of,
Lout re, Riviere de, Indian villages re- 29.
moved to, ^09. Marlborough, Duke of, 53, 124.
LovePs Islancf, good water at, 405. Marseilles, John Montresor at, 147.
Loyalists, -furnish materials to British, Marseilleis, le, French war vessel,
481, 483, 487. 504.
Loyalists, North Carolinian, board Brit- Marshall's Corps, 518.
ish fleet, 437 ; put to death for service Marshall, Lieut., 534.
to British army, 539. Martel, Capt., 180.
Lucy, one, 22, 78, 89. Martin, Capt., arrests Mr. Hawkins,
Ludllow Castle, frigate, 153. 75 ; 107.
Lyman, Gen. Phineas, 18, ,19, 20, 22, Martm's, iii.
38, 93» 95. 96, 103. Mary, transport, 155, 156.
Lyman's regiment, 78. Maryland, Acadians sent to, 196.
Mascoutin Indians, war dance of the,
McAdams, Capt., 57. 298 ; at Fort Croghan, 327, 332.
McDonald, Zachariah, 43. Mascoutins, les prairies des, 289, 298.
McEvers, Mr, 69. Mason, Mr., 25.
McGinnis, Capt., scout of, 21. Massachusetts troops, at Fort Edward,
Mackeller, Maj. Patrick, 176, 523. 36; ordered home, 105.
McKenzie, Capt., 107, 127, 469, 494. Massacre of troops, Indian project for,
McLean, Lieut., 103. 310, 311.
McLeod, Capt., 28, 386. Maisonville, M., 309.
Macknamara, B., loi. Matane, Pass of, 199.
McMartin, Lieut., 102. Matson's Ford, 419, 493.
McMian, Ensign Andrew, captured by Mather, Brig. Gen. Edward, 497.
British, 496. Maturin, Capt., 409.
MacNeill, Capt., 13, 107. Mawhood, Col., 482, 486.
MacNeil, Archibald, 534, 538, 54a Maxwell, Gen. William, 424; Amer-
Maddison, Lt. Col., 120. icans in action near Aikin's Tavern
Magdalene Les prairies de la, Journal by commanded by, 446 ; 506, 515, 518.
John Montresor of the expedition to. May, Cape, 502.
236; church of, 242. Medway, ship of war, 216.
Maidstone, tow of the British fleet by Mendez, Mr., 12, 19, 48, 49, 52, 53,
the, 500. 58, 61, 66, 67, 68, 69, 73, 74, 75,
Maine, expedition of Capt. John Mon- 76, 77, 79, 80, 83, 84, 86, 87, 90^ 91,
tresor across, 5, 125, 524-526; His- 95, 96, 104, 108, no, in.
torical Society of, 118. Menominee Indians, 271, 575.
Maine, Lieut., 104. Mercer, Capt. Alexander, 144, 507,
Maitland, Lt. Col., 235. 509, 523.
Malcontents at Boston, 402. Mercer, Fort, works for the reduction
Malm, Randel, 454. of, 6.
Man, Mr., 81, loi. Merchants' Coffee House, 346.
Manitou, Indian chief, Bradstreet halts Meredith, Lieut., 91, 94.
at Twelve Mile Island to make peace Merlin, sloop of war, aground, 470 ;
with, 283; 293, 294, 290. burnt, 472.
Manitou's Cove, arrival of Bradstreet's Mesarve, Col., 34, 35, 47, 48.
expedition at, 283 ; 322. Meschianza, ball given to Sir William
Manly, Com. John, captures British Howe called the, 6, 492.
frigate Fox, 439. Meyer, Mr., 66.
Manto Creek, 137; American battery Miami Indians, refuse to make peace,
near, 473. 277; 283, 284; Bradstreet's expedition
Mar, John, 523. to attack the, 284 ; pass an officer and
Marcus Aurelius, statue of George III. Indians of Bradstreet's to the Illinois,
in the flgure of, 123. 284; 295, 296 ; war dance of the, 298 ;
Marfit, Lieut. Henry, captured by Brit- attack Croghsm, 327.
ish, 496. Miamis Fort, 295.
INDEX.
563
Miamis River, 287, 288, 289, 292, 298,
30a
Michelson, Capt., 388.
Michilimakinac, 271, 272, 285, 286,
287, 290.
Middebush, 422.
Mitflin, Fort, 137, 145 ; construction
of, 414-417 ; evacuated by Ameri-
c^^^ 474-4761 477 ; 5<9> ^>^ ^^^
Island.
Mifflin, Gen. Thomas, 447.
Mil ford, frigate, 428.
Millan's Register and Almanac, 61.
Mill Creek Hundred, 516.
Mills, John, 43, 44.
Minerva, ship, 381.
Mirabeau, Comte de, 14a
Miray, Lake, 190 ; mountains of, 191.
Mir bach, regiment of, 469.
Mis, river des, 298.
Missassagues Indians, 290; sloop, 255,
258, 262, 272.
Mississippi River, 284.
Missouri River, 286.
Mohawk Indians, 20, 97, 98, 259, 286,
2QO ; scouting party deserted by, 305.
Mohawk River, post at, 35; 71, 72, 73;
department of the, 72 ; works on the,
74; no, 254.
Mohawk, transport, 256, 258, 262, 263,
264, 269, 272, 274.
Mohican, John, 307,
Molesworth, Mr., put to death for aid-
ing British army, 539.
Moliere, Capt., 504.
Monckton, Harry, death of, at the battle
of Monmouth, 8, 502.
Monckton, Gen. Robert, death of, 102 ;
III, 121 ; regiment of, 177, 219; 195 ;
landing of troops of, on the Island of
Orleans, 206, 219 ; Point Levi in pos-
session of, 208 ; 210, 211, 215, 217,
221 ; battsdion of, 225, 226, 227 ; 389,
460, 499.
Moncrief, Capt. James, 86, 103; let-
ter of, 133; 134, 391, 4S9»46i, 464;
recaptures battery, 465 ; thanks in
general orders to, 477 ; 496, 517.
Monk^s Horse Grenadier Guards, 3,
124.
Monmouth, battle of, 8, 502.
Monmouth, frigate, 510.
Montague, Fort, 119.
Montcalm, Marquis de, movements of,
18, 19, 20, 29; investment of Fort
William Henry by army of, 38;
death of, 102.
Montgomery, Col., Archibald, regiment
of, 102, 103, 104 ; io6» 107 ; Capt.
Richard, 255, 259, 260, 262, 264,
270 ; Capt. William Stone, burial of,
504.
Montgomery, Fort, 137; British and
American losses at storming of, 468.
Montmorency, near Quebec, 5 ; beach
above, 221, 223; camp, attack of the
French on the, 213; 214, 216, 217,
219, 225; order to bum and destroy
all settlements to the, 231 ; 232.
Montmorency, Falls of, 193, 207, 209,
210, 215, 225 ; English redoubts near
the, 211, 221; French works near
the, 220, 221 ; English land on the
North Main near the, 220.
Montmorency River, French works con-
structed on, 211 ; action between the
French and English works on the,
211; reconnoissance of Gen. Murray
for a passage across, 212, 216, 221,
223 ; attack of Indians on English
fascine cutters near, 213, 222 ; ford of,
213, 216 ; French and English batteries
on, 221 ; action on, 223, 224 ; attack
on French redoubts on, 225 ; 231.
Montour, Mr., 263.
Montreal, force of Montcalm at, 18 ;
plan oif, 8 ; plan for junction of
armies at, 117, 147; cannon from,
246, 248; island of, 251; capitula-
tion of the town of, 252 ; Canadian
troops from, 256; view of, cut in
stone for Lord Amherst's residence,
Kent, 390.
Montresor, family of, 1-8, 125 ; Frances,
5, 8; Harry, 31, 56, 58, 73, 74, 75,
76, 86 ; CoL Henry Edward, 7 ; Sir
Henry Tucker, 7 ; Mrs^ Capt. John,
7, 140, 141 ; Mary Lucy, 8 ; Robert,
127, 489; Gen. Thomas Gage, 7;
William Robert, 7.
Montresor, Cot lames, 3; journals of,
o~i 12 ; orders of Gen. Webb to, 16 ;
letters of, 25, 63, 87 ; memoranda of,
36 ; on council of war, 38 ; voyage
to New York of, 54; promotion of,
60, 61 ; on court of inquirv, 64 ; plan
of Fort Stanwix by, 65 ; mstructions
of Gen. Amherst to, 81 ; accident to,
99; III, 153; services of, 124;
orders of, 150, 154; petition of, for
lands, 324, 327 ; lands granted to,
345 ; lands recommended to, 347 ;
mandamus of, for lands, 356, 357,
359; locates lands, 378, 379, 38o»
381 ; 523 ; accounts of, as Chief En-
gineer, 524.
Montresor, Mrs. CoL James, 14, 15,
16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31,
564
INDEX.
3«» 33. 34. 35. 45. 4^, 47. 48. 49, 5©.
5^ 52. 53. 56, 5«» 60, 62, 70, 71, 72,
73. 74i 75. 76, 77, 78, 79. ^. 81. 82,
83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92,
93. 94. 95. 96, 97, 98, 99, «oo. »<",
102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108,
109, no, III.
Montresor, Capt. John, 4; appointed
aide-de-camp, 6 ; appointed Chief En-
gineer of America, 6 ; description of
Brooklyn fortifications by, 6; evi-
dence of, before Parliamentary Com-
mittee, 6; engineer at Boston and
New York, 6; promoted to a Cap-
taincy, 6 ; children of, 7 ; death of,
7 ; promoted Colonel, 7 ; loses papers,
8; II, 12, 15, 31, 60, 62, 63, 64,
no; journals of, 115-520; promo-
tions of, 115; services of, 115, 116,
124, 125, 143 ; commanders- in chief
served under by, 116; final depart-
ure of, from America, 116; leaves
England, 116; secures allegiance of
Canadians, 117; defends Fort Ed-
ward, 117; extra services of, 117;
carries despatches from New York to
Quebec, 118; escapes capture, 118;
carries despatches from La Varennes
to Isle-au-Perrot, 118; second ex-
pedition into Maine of, 1 18 ; sur-
prises Les Prairies de la Magdalene,
118 ; discovers lands between Canada
and Fort Halifax, 119; letter of,
119, 228; raises Canadian raiment,
119 ; surveys the St. Lawrence, 119 ;
attempt on life of, 120; military
works by, 120, 122 ; reconnoissance
of, in New York harbor, 121 ; sup-
presses mutinies, 122; recovers head
of statue of George IIL, 123 ; claims
for preferment of, 124; services of
ancestors of, 124; hardships of, 125-
128; hospitality of, 125: offers tim-
ber for a frigate, 125 ; losses of, by
fire, 126; commonplace book of, 128 ;
criticises Sir William Howe, 130-
135; military queries of, 131, 132 ;
136; tour in Europe of, 138, 139;
political rhyme of, 138; reasons of,
for failure of British in America, 139,
140; remarks of, respecting rank of
engineers, 141-147 * anecdote by,
146 ; itinerary of, in America and
Europe, 147 ; journal at Fort Ed-
ward of, 148-15 1 ; journal by, of
siege of Louisbourg, 1 51-188; 160,
162, 170, 175, 176; journal of, of a
route to Lake Labrador, 188-192;
scout of, on the St. L., 193-196 ; ac-
count by, of operations at Quebec,
217-236 ; journal by, of an expedition
to Les P. de la Magdalene, 236-252 ;
journal by, of Bradstreel's expedi-
tion, 252-322 ; Bradstreet*s orders
to, 254, 259, 262, 265, 269, 271, 272,
274, 276 ; offers to go to the Illinois,
283, 284 ; draught of Lake Erie by,
306, 308. 336, 344* 345, 353. 359 ;
carries despatches from Bradstreet to
New York, 321 ; journal of, in Al-
bany and New York, 1765, 322-393 ;
itinerary of in Pennsylvania and New
York, 324, 325, 326; visits Long
Island, 327 ; plan of North America
of, 322 ; strengthens Fort George,
328, 336 ; proceeds to Albany, 328 ;
confers with authorities of Albany re-
specting public works at, 333; re-
turns to New York, 335 ; designs
buildings at Albany, 335 ; dismantles
Fort C^orge, 342, 343; plan by, of
New York city and environs, 342,
34?, 345. 347, 348, 349, 351, 372;
visits Lieut. Gov. at Flushing, 351,
j6i ; visits Staten Island and New
Jersey, 366 ; transmits orders to En-
gineer Corps, 370; draught of com-
munications in New York province,
375, 379 i locates lands for Col. Mon-
tresor, 378, 379, 380; surveys New
York harbor, Governor's Island, and
Red Hook. 386 ; military plan of,
387 ; negotiations of, respecting site
of Fort Orange, 387 ; embarks for •
England, 388 ; visits officials in Lon-
don, 389 ; presents memorial to Am-
herst, 389 ; settles accounts with
agent, 390; made Capt. Lieut, of
engineers, 390; refused brevet Ma-
jority, 391 ; presents memorial to
Lord Granby, 391 ; maps of, en-
graved, 392 ; appointed chief barrack-
master, 393; sails for New York,
393 ; report of, on site of Fort
Orange, 393-398 ; notes of, on Fort
Castle William, 399-410: engages
on works at Castle William, 401-
408 ; at Boston, New York, and Phil-
adelphia, 409; on works at Mud
Island, 414-416 ; on works for reduc-
tion of Fort MifHin, 417 ; honor-
ably mentioned in general orders, 417 ;
at Brunswick, 422 ; expenses of, 416 ;
memoranda of, respecting roads in
Pennsylvania, 420; journal of, 1777-
1778, 420-515 ; on Howe's expedi-
tion to the Elk, 420-515; examines
rivers in Chesapeake Bay, 441 ; re-
INDEX. 565
connoitre of, 450 ; works of, at and 296 ; men sent to Bradstreet by, 298 ;
near Philadelphia, 460, 483-487 ; Maj. Roger, 17, 29, 35, 45, 47, 50,
sends accounts to Boddington, 461 ; marriage of, 56; 57, 64, 72, 73, 221 ;
erects batteries at the Post Houses, Mrs. Philipse, 62 ; Judge Richard,
467; builds bridge over the Schuyl- enters caveat for lands, 356; Capt.,
kill, 470 ; thanks in general orders to, commander of packet Leicester, 65.
477; brother of, arrives in Philadel- Morrisania, 131.
phia, 478 ; destroys redoubts on Car- Morrison, Gen., 523.
penter*s Island and at Blakeley^s Morris Heights, march of troops to,
House, 479 ; works of, on the Dela- 505.
ware, at Cooper*s Creek, 488; in Morristown, American forces move to.
New Jersey, 489 ; sends Lieut. Hal- 513.
dane to New York, 492 ; attends Sir Morry, Capt., 105.
William Howe to Billingsport, 493 ; Morse, Robert, 523.
redoubts dismantled without knowl- Mortier, Abraham, 12, 15, 21, 48, 55,
edge of, 493-495 ; public papers 56, 57, 58, 59, 62, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69,
of, 499 ; arrives in New York, 502 ; 70, 74, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 87, 90, 93,
leave to visit England granted to, 94, 96, 102, 105, 106, 107, 108, 100,
507; arrives in Cork and proceeds no, in; Mrs., 15, 16; Elizabeth,
to London, 514-515 ; second account 341.
by, of the battle of Brandy wine, 515- Morton, Mr., 149.
517; proposals of, for storming Mud Morel, Matthew, 125.
Island, 519-520; map by, of route Mossett, of Rhode Island re-
in Maine, 526; letter of, to Sir J. warded, 372.
Amherst, 524 ; account by, of expe- Mount Holly, British army at, 500.
dition through Maine. 117-118; 524- Mud Island, fortification at, 5, 6; ser-
525 ; accounts with British Auditor's vices of Capt. John Montresor at,
office, 534-542; memorial of, 535- 124; siege of, 125; reduction of fort
541; loss of papers and destruction on, 130; evacuation of, 137, 138;
of house of, 537 ; items in memorial capture of, 145, 147 ; works con-
of, excepted to, 541. structed at, 414-418; Lieut. Myers*
Montresor's Island, 7, 8, 126 ; vessels designs for fortifying, 415 ; surrender
wooded and watered at, 122. to Americans of battery at, 464 ; at-
Monypenny, Maj., 71, 80, 89, 90, 91, tacks at, 465, 474-477, 491. See
93» 94* 9^* <04, 108, III. Mifflin.
Moor, James, Sergt., taken by British, Muhlenberg, Gen. John P. G., 518.
496. Muir, Lieut., 84, 91.
Moore, Daniel, 542. Muirhauit, Chris., 539.
Moore. Sir Henry, arrival of, in New Mulcaster, Lieut. Gen. Frederick Wil-
York, 337; proclaimed as governor, liam, 8; 129, 144; sails for England,
339 ; wears homespun, 351 ; tolerates 494 ; 523, 539, 540.
excesses of New York populace, 354; MuUer, R., 523.
refuses press warrant, 356 ; refuses Munroe, Col George, letter of, 26 ; 35 ;
to consult with Lieut. Gov. Colden, death of, 48.
365 ; rejects address of clergy on re- Munroe, one, a leveller, reward for,
peal of Stamp Act, 368 ; reserves land 365,
for himself at Waitstown, 379 ; does Murat, Gen., 7.
not interfere with mob, 382 ; 385. Mure, Mr., 84.
Moore, Lambert, threatened by West- Murgatroyd. Patrick, 539.
Chester levellers, 363. Murray, Francis, American Major, pris-
Moore's Tavern, 123. oner, 496.
Moorehall, ford at, 419, 420; British Murray, Gen. James, 5, commands at
troops at, 456. Quebec, 116, 118, 127, grenadiers
Morgan, Gen. Daniel, 497, 506. under command of, 209, 210, 212,
Morris, Capt., 59, 69, 97, 98; funeral 214, 215, reconnoissances of, 212,
of, 108, 109; Capt. Thomas, expe- 216, 227, 228; 217,220, 223; re-
dition of, to the Illinois Indians, 284, doubt of, 228; 229 ; 231 ; expedition
286 ; letters from, 289 ; ill-treated on St. Lawrence of, 235 ; placards
by Indians, 296, 303 ; narrative of, and manifestoes of, 235 ; 244, 246,
566
INDEX.
247, 248, 250: effigy of, burnt, 34V,
recalled from Quebec, 372 ; sails for
England, 380; 525.
Murray, Mr., apothecary, 59.
Murray, Robert, Quaker merchant of
New York, 388.
Musgrave, Maj., 121.
Muskingum, village of, Bouquet's move-
ment against, 307.
Mutiny on the Britannic, merchantman,
388.
Myers, Mr., 14 ; Lieut., designs of, for
fortifying Mud Island, 415.
Namur, frigate, 173, 175.
Nancy, one, 78.
Nantes, Edict of, 3.
Napier, Mr., 35, 50, 59, 77, 94, loi,
102, 105.
Narrows, the, batteries at, and plan of,
56 ; works at, 504 ; project of Capt.
Montresor for defence of, 504 ; Brit-
ish headquarters at, 505 ; in Chesa-
peake Bay, intrenched, 438.
Nason, Lieut , 85.
Nassau, Fort, 119.
Nassawatting, 438.
Nautilus, ship of war, 485, 512.
Navesink, Highlands of, 502 ; British
army at, 503.
Navy Island, 258, 259, 260, 262, 264,
267, 268, 272.
Neptune, ship of war, 216.
Nestiguinea, 46.
Neufville, Mr., 82, 86.
Newark, Americans at, 448 ; British at,
448, 516.
New Brunswick, Gen. Washington moves
from, 503.
Newcastle, 500.
Newfoundland, 55.
New Gardens, Teynham, Kent, 4.
New Garden, 448, 516.
New Hampshire regiment, 73, 83, 84.
New Jersey, line between New York
and, 119 ; forces, 272, 275, 276, 281,
283 ; itinerary of journey in, 324-
327 ; boorish peasants of, 327 ; skir-
mish in, 498.
Newport, American alarm guns at, 448.
New Providence, Bahama, 5, 148.
Newton, Mr., 57, 94, 102, no.
Newtown, on Chester River, 441.
New Windsor, 54.
New York, province of, fortifications
in, 4 ; troops of, at Fort Edward, 36,
275 ; line between New Jersey and,
119; maps of, 392.
New York, City of, works at, 5 ; fire in,
^•.^5*5^* '5t complaint of billet-
ing officers against Recorder of, 64 ;
sleighing from Albany to, in; 147 ;
148 ; Acadians sent to, 196; stamp
excitement in, 336, 337, 339, 343;
merchants o(^ invited to meet Gov.
Moore, 342 ; survey of environs and
harbor of, 342, 386; 387; map of,
343, 344, 392 ; stagnation of business
m, 345, 368 ; populace make pro-
posals respecting stamps to Gov.
Moore, 343, bum in efiigy British
officials, 343, complain of captains of
men of war, 346, threaten houses,
349, tamper with ordnance, 358,
360, rejoice at repeal of stamp act,
^67, 368, demands of, 371, refuse
mtercourse with military, 383 ; loy-
alty of people of, 348 ; arrival of Sir
Henry Clinton at, 503 ; British troops
sent to, 503.
Niagara Portage, redoubts at, 5 ; de-
fence of, 119; works at, 254-263,
264, 271, 272 ; survey of, 270.
Niagara, military design at, 70; 81,84;
capture of, 86; 87, 91 ; plans of, 100;
106; mutiny of Canadian regiment
of, 122; journal by John Montresor
of the expedition under CoL Brad-
street to, 252-322 ; 253 ; 258 ; celebra-
tion of King's birthday at, 261 ; dis-
cord in the service at, 262 ; Indian
encampment at, 263, 265, 268 ; dis-
tance from Fort Schlosser to, 265 ;
269; Indian congress at, 270, 271,
272 ; 275, 276, 301 ; Indian encamp-
ment at, 271 ; 273, 274 ; report and
plan of works at, 274 ; feast to In-
dians at, 277 ; expenses of provisions
and presents at Indian congress at,
285 ; 286, 291, 292, 298.
Niagara Falls, spearing fish above the,
266.
Nibblas's house, 448.
Nickolls, H., 4 ; Frances, 4 ; family
vault, 7.
Nicolls, Gov. Richard, 126.
Nichols' house, Mill Creek, 448.
Nicole, Capt. Pierre, 517, 534, 539,
538t 541.
Nicolet River, 243.
Nicholson, Dr., 99, 100, 102, 104 ; Mr.,
105.
Niger, ship of war, 428.
Nightingale, frigate, 161, 176, 216.
Ninnevah, Indian diief, 289.
Nipissing Indians, 270.
Noble, one, ringleader of rioters, flight
of, 38a
INDEX.
567
Noddle Island, 401.
Noel, Mr., 13, 69.
Noir, Cape, redoubts near, 166, 167;
170.
Noort, van, James, 542.
Norberg, Capt. Tohn, 534.
Normandy, Duchy of, 3.
Normandy, William Courthose, Duke
of, 3-
Norrington, township of, very rebellious,
457.
Norris, John, 541 ; Maj., 212.
North Americans, first battalion of, 152.
North America, plan of, by British en-
gineers, 323.
North Cape, 197.
North Carolina, Acadians sent to, 196.
North Carolina, loyalists from, board
British fleet, 437.
North Channel, Quebec, batteries on,
212.
North, Lord, mal-administration of,
139.
Norih Main, encampment of Gen. Wolfe
on the, 209, 210.
North's Fort, 419.
Northumberland, frigate, 175, 216, 218.
North Wales, Americans captured at,
487.
Notch, the, 525.
Notes and Memoranda, John Montre-
sor*s, 1 1 5- 1 18.
Notre Dame, mountain of, 199.
Nottingham, frigate, 176. *
Nottingham, England, 3.
Nouvelle Basse, 525.
Nova Sc6tia, Acadians of, refuse to take
English oath of allegiance, 195 ; map
of, 392.
Octerlony, Mr., 58.
Offley, Daniel, 542.
Ogelvie, Mr., 82, 86; Capt., 109.
0*Hara, Gen., 126.
Ohio, the, engineers for the westward
department of, 66.
Ohio River, plans of posts extendmg to
the, 67.
Ohio Indians, expedition against the,
253.
Ojibway Indians, 253, 258, 259, 264,
267, 268, 271, 272, 275, 284, 287,
288, 289, 292, 302, 304, 307, 3«2.
Okey, a sawyer, 42.
Old Slip Market, New York City, 508.
Old York Road, action between British
and Americans on, 488.
Oneida Indians, 275, 280, 281, 295.
Oneida Lake, post at northeast end
of, 72 ; post at west end of, 72 ; plan
of block-house and post on, 75 ; 254.
Onondaga Falls, 255.
Onondaga Indians, 275, 280, 281 ;
Delaware and Shawanese Indians
sprung from, 304 ; a Flathead adopted
by, ,30^.
Ontario, frigate, 176.
Ontario, 253 ; force for Niagara from,
254 ; arrivai of French force at, 256 ;
257, 255, 262, 263, 264, 266, 267.
269, 270, 272, 274.
Ontario, Lake, 278.
Orange, Fort, 329 ; site of, 330, 331,
332 ; 334 ; Montresor's report con-
cerning site of, 393-398.
Ord, Maj., 30, 38, 68, 69, 77, 109,
no.
Orderly books, American, captured at
the battle of Brandywine, 451.
Ordnance, British Board of, relations of
engineer corps with, 143, 144.
Ordnance in New York, spiked by au-
thorities, 337, unspiked, 351, popu-
lace tamper with, 358, 360; stores,
352, exposed to rabble, 359; at
Castle William, return of, 400; re-
moved from Chester to Philadelphia,
462, American, at Mud Island, burst-
ing of, 466.
Orleans, 119, Island of, 205, 206,
Briti^ land on, 206, reconnoissance
of, 207; 210; arrival of British fleet
at, 219; 222, 231, 232; point of,
193, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213,
214, 215, 217; post of CoL Carleton
on, 219 ; battery at, 220, 221 ;
French bombard, 220 ; 230, 234.
Ormsby, Capt., 29 ; Mr., 48.
Orphan's Bank, St. LaMrrence River,
198.
Osborne, Sir George, 477.
Oswegatchie, 270.
Oswego, 30. 65 ; post at, 71 ; plan of,
72, 75 ; French attack on, 81 ; New
Hampshire regiment despatched to,
83, 84; Gen. Gage en route to, 85;
86, 90, 92, 94, 95 ; works at, 95; 96,
104, no, 130, 256.
Oswego Falls, 72.
Oswego Lake, 278.
Oswego River, 320.
Ottave, Col., 484, 486.
Ottawa Indians, 253, 267, 268, 270,
271, 275 ; refuse to make peace, 277;
282 ; peace with Manitou, the great
war chief of the, 283 ; 284 ; 287, 288,
289; 293; 294; 298; 299; 301 ; war
568
INDEX.
against Shawanese and Delawares,
307 ; haranguing chief of, 310 ; 312.
Otter, sloop of war, 426.
Otway*s regiment, 18, 160, 177, 209,
210, 215, 217, 220, 223, 224.
Oughterlony, Lieut., 21, 58.
Outerkirk, John, 43.
Outerkirk, Johannes, 43.
Overslaugh, the, Hudson River, 15.
Oxford, frigate, 175, 200, 216.
Page, Brigadier, 78 ; John, 104 ; Engi-
neer, 146 ; Sir Gregory, purchase of
house of, for Royad Military Acad-
emy, 147.
Paislea, Mr., 52.
Palmer, John, 129.
Paoli, the, tavern, 456.
Parker, Lieut., '517; Col., disaster to
party of, 22 ; one, a merchant of
New York, asks for a sword and is
settled by the butt end of a musket,
384.
Parker's Ford, 419.
Parrinck, Mr., 129.
Parry, Valentine, 542.
Pasoosy Island, George Ford, a loyalist,
principal tenant of, 441.
Patterson, Lieut., 100.
Paterson, Col, 121; Col, American,
443; Mr., 347. V
Pattison, Gen., 479, 54a
Patoun, Archibfldd, loi, 523.
Patton's corps, 518.
Paulins, ford at, 419.
Paulas Mill, Americans surprised at, 486.
Paulus Hook, 132; works at, 505 ; 509.
Payan, Madame, grant to the Acadians
by, 194.
Peace of 1783, blunder of the, 137.
Peace, treaty of, Indian, 275, 289, 290.
Peace, Cove of, 275.
Pearl, ship of war, 476.
Peck*s Wharf, Boston, 410.
Pearson, William, 541.
Pembroke, ship of war, 176, 217.
Prendergast, Wm., Westchester leveller,
reward for, 364, 374 ; escapes, 365 ;
apprehended, 377 ; sent to Pough-
keepsie for trial, 379, party of, fires
on 28th regiment, 380 ; indicted, 381 ;
found guilty of high treason and sen-
tenced to death, 384.
PennCadder, 446.
Penn, Gov. John, message to Pennsyl-
vania assembly by, 417 ; 528 ; Rich-
ard, letter from, 417.
Pensacola, stamps current in, 346.
Penzance, frigate, 238, 239.
Pepperell, Sir William, troops of, en-
camped on Noddle I^and, 401.
Peppereirs York provincials, 253.
Percy, Lord, 120.
Peres, Point des, batteries on, 213,
214, 215, 216, 220, 221, 223, 229,
230, 231.
Perkins, William, 542.
Perkiomen Creek, American forces at,
462.
Perry's, 53.
Perseus, frigate, 494. 496, 498.
Petty*s Island, 470.
Philadelphia, works at, 6, 119, 129,
1 38 ; III; Quaker burying-ground in,
128 ; works at, dismantled, 137, 499 ;
148 ; Acadians sent to, 196 ; inhab-
itants of, send magazines to French at
Cayenne, 346 ; list of inhabitants of,
409, 447, 494 ; British occupy, 458 ;
defences of, 458, 463, 464. 465, 466 ;
inhabitants at work on British de-
fences of, 461 ; many inhabitants of,
rebellious, 462 ; inhabitants of, offer
men to British for defence of, 494,
market people of, branded by Ameri-
cans, 497 ; unhealthy condition of,
499 ; British evacuation of, 499, 511.
Philadelphia Light Horse, 443, 445,
4«5» 488, 5 » 5-
Philadelphia Road, 457.
Philalethes, seditious article by, in
Holt's Gazette, 365, 369.
Philipse,>Col, 56, 62, 11 1 ; Miss, mar-
riage of, 56; Mrs., 59, 61.
Phillips, Gen., 144; Mr., 532 ; one, a
British deserter, 88.
Phipps, John, 523.
Phister, Mr., 71, 73, 75.
Phoenix, ship of war, 121, 447, 495 ;
120; sail under convoy of the, 501.
Pichot, Monsieur, 249.
Pickering, Lieut., 96.
Pierre, Isle la, 287.
Pigeon House in Dublin Harbor, 514.
Pigot, Maj. Gen., 428, 508.
Pike, Joseph, 104.
Pilgrims, the, islands, 202, 203.
Pilot boats of Boston, only three, 408.
Pintard, Mr., of New York, Sons of
Libert v and rabble visit house of,
349 ; threatened with the pillory, 350.
Pitcher, Mr., 17, 20> 75, 105, 106.
Pitt, Mr., Sons of Liberty propose
statue of, on Bowling Green, 353,
374, 375» applaud speech of, 362,
erect post and ensign to, 383; 370,
371.
Pitt, Fort, 119, 276, 281 ; Fort Da
INDEX.
569
Qaesne called, 282, 299, 307, 347,
394. 526.
Pitts, Capt. Matthew, 143, 517, 540.
Plat, Isle le, 250, 251.
Platon, 237 ; capture of post of, 238,
239-
Playhouse in New York, Sons of Lib-
erty pull down, 364.
Plunket, Capt., American, captured,
46&
Pluto, fireship, 176.
Pointe aux Cedres, 283, 284, 322.
Point-aux-Trembles, intended attack of
the lines at, 117.
Point du Lac, le, 305.
Point Island, battery on, 215.
Pointe la Teunesse, 188.
Point les Peres, 525.
Point Levi See Levi
Point Plat, 181.
Poisson d'Ontario River, 3cx>.
Poisson D*Or^ River, 3oi5.
Polly, brig, J24, 345, forced by New
York populace, 346, 386.
Pomeroy, Gen., 136.
Pontiac, siege of Fort Detroit by. 5;
command of, 252 ; 284 ; belt to Col.
Bradstreet from, 286; band of, 287,
289 ; 296 ; Parkman*s Conspiracy of,
296 ; 309 ; submission of, 331 ; con-
spiracies of, 345.
Porcupine, frigate, 209, 238, 239, 240,
242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 249,
25o» 489, 490, 500.
Porter, Mr., 100.
Post Houses, batteries at the, 466, 467.
Porticos farm, Acadia, 189.
Portis, Ensign, 28.
Portland Place, London residence of
Col John Montresor at, 7.
Port Mahon, ship, 161, 176.
Port Neufs, 237.
Portsmouth, Eng., 4.
Port St. Louis, 526.
Post, John, 541.
Post office, New York, letters for, left
at cofTec-housc, 363.
Post regulation, women ordered out of
camp by, 89.
Pottawatamy Indians, 253 ; refuse to
make peace, 277 ; 287. 288, 289, 290,
311 ; scalp soldiers, 372, 373 ; 384.
Potomac river, 147.
Pottsgrove, fords at, 419, 420 ; road,
456.
Poughkeepsie, 1 1 1 ; disturbances at,
377.
Pouchot, M., 109.
Preble, Gen. Jedediah, 136.
Presbytery, synod of, 80, ministers at
the, 37a
Prescot, Capt., 86, 87.
Presque Isle, 1 19 ; Bradstreet^s encamp-
ment at, 281, 293; 294, 307, 322.
Preston, frigate, 502.
Prevost, Maj., detachment under, 28.
Prevost's, powder magazine at, 352.
Pribble, Gen., 136.
Price, frigate, 483.
Prideaux, Gen. John, 67, 69, 72, 73,
81 ; death of, 85.
Prince Frederick, frigate, 176, 216.
Prince George, transport, 154; mer-
chantman, 370.
Prince of Orange, frigate, 152, 176, 217.
Prince of Wales, ship, 382.
Princess Amelia, frigate, 175, 217.
Pringle, Col., 375.
Prisoners, exchange of, 498.
Proclamation for arrest of levellers,
347.
Proserpine, transport, 155.
Protecteur, Le, French ship of war, 504.
Provence, La, French ship of war, 504.
Province Island, 132, 134 ; reconnois-
sance of, 463 ; battery commenced by
British on, 465, 466 ; 467, 468, 469,
47?. 475.
Provmcials, 83, loi, 102, 104, 105 ;
dispute of respecting rank, 305 ; with
Bradstreet, 318, 319; Allen's, Chai-
mcr's, and Clifton\<i, 476, 489 ; Fan-
ning'sand Brown's, 513.
Provisions, returns of on Bradstreet's
expedition, 305 ; damaged, 307 ;
weekly consumption of by British
army, 495.
Provost, Col., 35.
Prudent, Le, French frigate, burnt, 172,
186; 187.
Prussia, King of, works of the, 140.
Putnam, Israel, 18 ; movements of
scouting party under, 20 ; pursuit of
French Indians by, 22 ; discovers en-
campment of the French near Fort
Ann, 22 ; 136, 287, 289 ; sends ad-
vice to New York Sons of Liberty,
350 ; commands opponents to Stamp
Act, 354.
Quebec, camp at Montmorenci, near,
5 ; arrival of French troops, provi-
sions and stores at, 38 ; plan of, 47 ;
army of Gen. Wolfe before, 88; ca-
pitulation of, 4, 102, 116; 216, 232;
command of Gen. James Murray at,
116; Capt John Montresor engineer
at, 1 16 ; scout of Captain John Men*
570
INDEX.
tresor to New England from, 117;
expedition to the south of the St.
Lawrence from, 117; garrison of,
117 ; expedition of Capt. John Mon>
tresor from, 125 ; supersedure of
Capt. John Montresor at, 127; 147,
148 ; capture of French frigate bound
for, i6i ; 195 ; journal by John Mon-
tresor of the siege of, 196-252 ;
bombardment by Gen. Monckton of
the town of, 211; sketch of the
French works, settlements and en-
campments near, 211. 212; construc-
tion of works approaching, 212 ; heavy
fire on the English from the town of,
213; fires in the town of, 213, 214,
216, 221, 222, 223, 228, 229; fire raft
from the town of, 215, 224; list of
troops under Maj. Gen. Wolfe in the
expedition against, 217 ; account by
John Montresor of the 0|)erations at,
217 ; incessant action of French and
English before, 222 ; capture of 200
women near, 223 ; French force be-
tween Montmorency and the town of,
228 ; letter of John Montresor from,
232, 235 ; quarters of the army in,
233 ; desolation of, 233 ; new works in,
233 ; stores and ammunition captured
at, 234 ; description of the town
and environs of, 234, '235 ; packet
schooner from, 240, 241 ; packet
schooners for, 250; arrival of the
Vengeance at, 250 ; Canadian troops
from, 256 ; stamps current in, 346.
Queeman^s Islands, Hudson river, the
Hell Gate between, "7a
Queen Esther, ship, 151.
Queen*s Bastion, Louisbourg, 170, 171.
Queen's Rangers, 458, 459.
Quesne, Fort du, 4. See Fort Pitt.
Quibbletown, 423.
Quicapou Indians, war dance of the,
298 ; attack Croghan, 332.
Raisins, La Riviere aux, arrival of Brad-
street's expedition at, 284 ; 292, 322.
Raisonable, The, ship of war, 507.
Randell's Island, 7.
Rangers, The, 22, 83, 100, 107, 108,
118, 154, 159, 160; scalping by, 164;
166, 177 ; ambuscade of Indians by,
188; 190, 191, 194, 195, 196, 207;
pursuit of Indians by, 208 ; 219, 223,
227 ; destruction of the village of St,
Paul's by, 229 ; schooner of, 243 ; 244,
247, 252, 275, 497.
Rattlesnakes, 274.
Ratzer, Lieut. Bernard, 73, 78, 82, 86,
96, 104.
Rawdon, Lord, 468.
Ray, Cape, 197.
Raymond, Chemin, 190, 191.
Raymond, Comte de, 190.
Read, Capt., 64 ; Mr., 68 ; Mrs., 139 ;
CoL Isaac, 518: William, 542.
Rebels. See Americans.
Red Bank, 137 ; American fort at, 465 ;
Americans load stores at, 465; at-
tacked by Hessians, 469; Americans
blow up works at, 478 ; frigate Vigi-
lantes boats rescue Briti^ foragers
near, 50a
Redder, Myners, a carpenter, 43.
Redfield, Capt., 96.
Red Hook, surveyed by Capt John
Montresor, 3S6.
Red Isle, 192.
Reed, Capt., 83 ; Gen., 136.
Reedy Island, British fleet at, 500. 511.
Regiment, Fourth, 120, 497 ; Fifth,
4^5, 480 ; Seventh, 495 ; Tenth, 137,
403 ; Fourteenth, troops of sick, 401,
40 2 ; at Castle William, 402, 403, 409 ;
Fifteenth, 196,217,240,495,500,504,
511; Sixteenth, 455; S>eventeenth,
69, 73» 78, 89, 98, 99, 105, 109, 110^
152, 166, 254, 255, 266, 262, 264,
265, 269, 270, 272, 273, 275, 277,
279, 280, 281, 284, 280, 287, 296,
298. 304» 372, 373. 374. 495 ; Twenty-
first, 124; Twenty-second, 150, 152,
154, 167, 175, 250, 513 ; Twenty-
Third, 125, 444, 463, 507, 510;
Twenty-sixth, 373, 495; Twenty-
seventh, 73, 78, 106, Sons of Lib-
erty threaten to barbecue oflicers of,
365. 495. 473, 480 ; Twenty-eighth,
I3> 1 96, 209, 215, 217, action near
St. Ange Guardien of the, 224, re-
doubt of the, 227, 230, 373, at the
manor of Livingston, 375, at Pough-
keepsie, 376, 377, fixed on by Pen-
dergrast's party, 380, 381, 384, 385,
386. 388, 473; Thirty-third, 477,
498 ; Thirty-fifth, 152, 196, 216, 217,
219. 505; Thirty-eighth, 504;
Fortieth, 130, 175, 250; Forty-
second, 78, 81, 84, 86, 91, 107, 108,
137, 150, 344, 373, 374, 455 ; Forty-
third, 121, 127, 196, 217, 513 ; Forty-
fourth, 13, 72, 85, 105, 117, 123,
149, 150, 152, 455, 504; Forty.fifth,
I75t 188, 510; Forty-sixth, 90, 254,
259, 261, 264, 265, 2b6, 273, 276,
282, 291, 298, 302, 319, 373, 374,
376, 381, 384, 497, 511 ; detachment
INDEX.
571
of sent to Poughkeepsie, 377, 380;
Forty-seventh, 209, 217, 224, 227 ;
Forty-eighth, 4, 14, 115, 117, 122,
124, John Montresor's lieutenancy
in, 127, 143, 149, 150. 151, 152, 170,
172, 196, 217, 229, 489; Forty-ninth,
495 ; Fifty-second, 427 ; Fifty-fifth,
86, 97, 104, 276, 290. 305, 319, 489;
Fifty-seventh, 505; Fifty-eighth. 217,
227 ; Sixtieth, 135, 319, 341 ; Sixty-
second, 472 ; Sixty-third, 489 ; Sev-
enty-first, 469, 471, 505; Eighti-
eth, 125, 254, 259, 261, 266, 272,
275, 286, 287, 288, 290, 294, 295,
298, 30U 302, 305^ 3>3» 3>8, 3«9;
One Hundred and Fourth, 125. See
also under the sf)ecial name
Regulars, sick, sent to Fort Edward, 104.
Reid, CoL John, 338, appointed au-
ditor of accounts, 353.
Renards, Indians, 257.
Renown, ship of war, 507.
Retur, NIr., 73.
Revenue, provincial, for payment of
troops, 377.
Revolutionists, at Hartford, 347.
Rhode Island, troops of, at Fort Ed-
ward, 36 ; transports from, 506 ; Lord
Howe's fleet leaves New York to at-
tack French fleet at, 508 ; invested
by Americans and French, 508, 510 ;
British naval force for, 5 10 ; Americans
raise siege of, and evacuate, 512 ;
Henry Clinton leaves, 512; arrival
of troops under Clinton at, 512.
Richard, transport, 155.
Richardson*s, ford at, 419, 42a
Richelieu, rapids of, 238, 239; river,
245-
Richmond, British headquarters at, 426.
Richmond, frigate, 205, 209, 210, 421,
50a
Ricolet, Mr., 274.
Rlgauville, M. de, 256, 262.
Rioters of N. Y., trial of, 379.
Riots, stamp act, at Boston and New-
port, 327, at New York, 337, 362, in
Connecticut, 357.
River, Ensign, 55, 73, 75, 81, 82.
Roberts, Mr., put to death for aiding
British, 539.
Roberts, Peter, 541.
Robertson, Archibald, 523; Capt.,
commander of packet, 377 ; Gen.
James, 60, 61, 63, 64, 74, 85, 87, 88,
9i» 92» 93» 94. 95^ 9^, 106, 107, 108,
109, 126, 144, 353, 380, 532.
Robertson's River, rebels destroy bridge
over, 425.
Robin Hood, ford at, 419.
Robinson, Capt., 103; Beverley, 14, 55,
58, 63,64,361; Mr., 62, 66, 73, 74,
75-
Rochambeau, Comte de, 14a
Rochefort, expedition to, 57 ; plan of^
57 ; 143, i8a
Roche de But, La, 288, 289, 309.
Roche, Point au, 242.
Roches, River de, arrival of Bradstreet*8
expedition at, 282; 312, 313, 322.
Rocks, Bay of, 201.
Roebuck, ship of wai, rescues frigate
Fox, 439 ; captured frigate manned
by sailors from. ^60 ; 466, 476, 482 ;
stationed in Delaware river, 502 ; es-
capes from French fleet, 503.
Roffy, Lieut., 99.
Roger's, iii.
Kollo, Col., 55, 56 ; Lord, 236, 244,
248.
Romer, Col. William, builder of Castle
William, 401.
Root, Mr., no.
Rose, Lieut., 8^, 86, 88, 89.
Roseaman, Richard, 541.
Rosehill, near Sittingbourne, Kent, 5.
Rose, ship of war, 121.
Rosiere, Cape, 198.
Ross, CoL Robert, 326.
Ross, Patrick, 523.
Rots, Isle aux, 206.
Rouge Isle, 192.
Rouge River, 285.
Rouler, Village de, 19a
Rouscove, Louisbourg, 162.
Rousillon, battalion of, 18.
Raven, ordnance transport, 340.
Rowson, Mrs. William, works of fiction
by, 4.
Roy, Col, 143; William, 523.
Royal Americans, 150, 152, 173, 196,
208, 209, 214, 215, 217, 227, 232,
253, 27s, 286, 341, 356, 358. 372,
373i 374.
Royal Anglo-Corsican Corps, 7.
Royal Artillery, 177, 217, 275, 3IQ,
377.
Royal Grenadier, 173.
Royal Military Academy, 147.
Royals, the (Louisbourg), 160; 162; 163.
Royal Scotch Regiment, 177.
Royal WiUiam, frigate, 155, 173, 175,
216.
Ruggles, Capt., 83.
Ruggles' Regiment, 87, 105.
Rumsey, Col., commands American
militia at Elk Ferry, 442.
Rush, Dr. Benjamin, attends American
572
INDEX.
wounded at battle of Brandywine,
452.
Russell, engineer, 74; Mr., 58, 73, 76,
82, 90, 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 106 ; Lieut.,
' 94,95.
Rutgers, Widow, 12.
Rutherford, Maj., 57, 64.
Rutless, Wharton. 22.
Ruvignes, Jean Francois Gabriel de,
135.
Rycant, Capt., 93, 104.
Sable, River aa, 279, 321.
Sackville, Lord George, 60, 62, 124,
127.
Sacs, Indians, 275. '
Sagittaire, le, French ship of war, 504.
Saguinau, Bay of, 291.
Sailly, Messrs., 52, 56.
Salem, 480, 483.
Salisbury, frigate, 428.
Saltonstall, Mr., 52, 57, 60, 62, 63, 64.
Sambro, Cape, British fleet arrives off,
154; 156.
Sassafras River, British fleet at, 441.
Sandusky, expedition to treat with In-
dians at, 125 ; 266 ; troops at, 781 ;
summons to Hurons to ratify treaty
at, 283 ; embarkation at Detroit of
Col. Bradstreei*s troops for, 291 ; vil-
lage of, 291, 293 ; treachery contem-
plated by the Indians at, 292 ; Indian
council at, 294; encampment of Col.
Bradstreet*s troops at. 294 ; old fort
of, 294, 307 ; bay of, 297 ; Hurons
abandoning their settlement of, 304.
Sandusky Indians, prisoners returned by,
256, 274.
Sandusky Lake, 293, 294, 296, con-
struction of a fort on the portage be-
tween Lake Erie and, 297, 299.
Sandusky Rapids, encampment of Col.
Bradstreet's troops at the, 295, 299 ;
council of Indians with Bradstreet at,
296 ; remains of an old Indian fort at,
297.
Sandusky River, 290, 298, 301.
Sandy Cove, 321.
Sandy Hook, draught of, 55 ; ^* Remarks
on Sailing from New York to," 56 ;
British fleet arrives at, 502 ; British
erect bridge at, 503 ; French fleet
under Count D'Estaing off, 504;
Lord Howe at, 504; capture by the
French fleet off", 504, 505, 506; works
at 505, Sp6 ; Count D'Estaing's fleet
leaves, 506 ; evacuation of the post
at, 509.
Sanspied River, 191.
Santa Theresa, island of, 251.
Sante, Cape, 237.
Saratoga, works at, 14, 17, 30, 31, 32,
33t 34. 4I1 42, 43. 44» 45» 48 J offi-
cers' rooms at, 36 ; journal of Col.
James Montresor at, 41-45 ; old fort
at, pulled down, 42 ; stores for, 44 ;
illustration of works at, 45 ; 77, 86,
90» 93, 109, 149-
Sardaigne, man of war, 376.
Sa 1, judge at trial of Pendergrast,
384.
Saul, Mr., 53, 54.
Saunders, Admiral Sir Charles, fleet
against Quebec under, 196; 204, 205.
Saw Mill River, 188 ; 190.
Sayre, Steplien, sheriff of London, I2CX
Scaffold Basque, falls on mountains near,
201.
Scarborough, man of war. 152, 176.
Scaticoke, 35.
.Scawnongon, 307.
Schaack, Mr., 69.
Schenectady, militia at Fort Edward
from, 27 ; barracks at, 35, 49 ; regi-
ments from, 49 ; works at, 51, 52, 53,
54,65, 74; stores for, 71; Forty-
fourth regiment marched for, 72 ; 93 ;
94; Royal Americans march to, 150;
254.
Schermerhorn\ in.
Schlosser, Fort, 260, 261, 265, 267,
268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 277,
279.
Schom1)erg, Capt., 69, 101.
Schulenburgh, Countess, 141.
Schuyler, Oipt., 88, 91, 104, 106, 118,
322, 323 ; Colonel, 35, 48, 107, 333;
General, 118; Mr., 35.
Schuyler, Fort, 254.
Schuyler^s Island, 324.
Schuyler's regiment, 87, 107
Schuylkill Ferry, 134 ; British artillery
removed to, 463.
Schuylkill Point, 132.
Schuylkill river, works on, 129, 133 ;
fords across, 419; 497.
Scioto, 281 ; prisoners from, 290 ; 294 ;
Indians, entreat for peace, 280 ; 288,
300, 301.
Scohary Indians, 275.
Scorpion, frigate, 502.
Scotch Johnny's, 56, 62.
Scot, Caut., 340.
Scott, John, carpenter, 43 ; Major, 154,
208, command of, 250; Gen., 518.
Scot ton, Samuel, 542.
Sears, Isaac, Governor of New York
sends for, 340 ; counsellor to Sons of
INDEX.
573
Liberty, 349 ; notice of» 353 ; custo-
dian of seized good<^ 361 ; orders
church bells to ht rung, 362.
Seeton, Sir Henry, Capt. 17th, 385.
Seguem, River de, Bradstreet*s expedi-
tion at, 282; 312, 313, 315, 522,
Seneca Indians, peaceful disposition of
assured, 255 ; 259, 263, 268, 272, 274,
275, 298 ; peace granted to, 299 ;
301 ; declarations of, 309 ; 319, 320.
Seven Bishops, the, 125.
Shannock Hills, American army at, 422.
Shannon, man of- war, 173, 176.
Sharp, Conrad, 85.
Shaw, Mr., 90.
Shawanese Indians, terms of peace be-
tween Col. Bradstreet and, 275 ; en-
treat for peace, 280; 281, 288, 292,
293* 294. 295, 296, 298, 299, 300,
303, 304; prisoners in towns of,
308 ; chiefs of, killed, 327, 332 ; with
Croghan, 38a See Delaware In-
dians.
Shekkard, Moses, 542. .
Shirley, Maj. Gen. William, 115, 116,
406.
Shirreff, Col., 483, 485.
Sherrieffe, Capt., attacked by mob, 382.
Shiveres, Isle of, 182.
Shrewsbury, medicinal waters of, 324.
Shrewsbury, ship of war, 216.
Shroom, Michel, 44.
Shuldham, Lord, man-of-war, 420.
Silver Heels, Seneca Indian, 259, 319.
Sim, Mrs. Corporal, 92.
Simcoe's Rangers, 481, 482, 487, 489,
492, 497.
Simpson, Adam Scott, 43.
Sinclair, Mr., 57.
Sittingbourne, Kent, 5.
Six Nations, Indians of the, 270; terms
of peace between Col. Bradstreet ar.d,
275 ; 296, 303 ; refuse to attack the
Delawares and Shawanese, 304 ; ene-
mies to the English, 305 ; at bottom
of war, 30S ; disaffection of, 310 ; 311.
Sioux Indians, Ojibway*s war on, 304.
Skene, Col. Philip, 137, 388.
Skinner, Lieut., 84; Maj. Gen., 427;
William, loi, 523.
Slack, Daniel, 523; John, 542.
Slater, Josiah, 542.
Sllngerland, Isaac, 43.
Slonga, George, 539, $42.
Small, Lieut., 84, 94; Maj., 321.
Smallman, Maj , wounded, 327.
Small wood. Gen. William, 518.
Smith, Capt., secretary of Sir Henry
Clinton, 494 ; Counsellor, arrested for
not taking the oath of allegiance, 509 ;
Gen., 513; Elias, 129, 541, 542;
William, 341.
Smithfield, Americans surprised at, 484.
Smith's Clove, Washington at, 428.
Sm—R., judge at trial of Prcndergast,
384.
Sodus, Little, 256.
Somerset, frigate, 176, 216, 476.
Sons of Liberty, of New York, one of
the, stabbed, 341; defy the authorities,
' 342 ; placard of, 345 ; threats of, 346 ;
agree to destroy stamps, 348 ; gentle-
men refuse to join, 348 ; Committee
of Correspondence of, 348 ; nightly
assemblages of, 347; informed by
those of Philadelphia, 349; visit houses
of Charles Williams and Mr. Pintard,
349; receive advice from CoL Putm-n,
350 ; rebellious expressions of, 350,
351 ; procession of, 351, 352; pro-
pose to bum effigy of Amherst and
erect statue of Pitt in Bowling Green,
353; demand Lieut. Hallam of the ship
Garland, 353 ; continued threats
of, 354, 355 ; attack officer of Royal
Americans, 356 ; great meeting of,
357 » continued threats of, 357,
360 ; seize goods on Mr. llacbe's
vessel, 361 ; seize lands of Mr. Cort-
landt, 362 ; prohibit marketing of
lamb, 363 ; oppose Westchester level-
lers, 363; excesses of, 363, 364;
council of, 365 ; continued threats of,
365 ; despatch belts of wampum to
the Six Nations, 367 ; repeal lamb
act, 369 ; revoke repeal, 370 ; troops
quiet, 378 ; mob of, 382, 383 ;
threaten Capt. Heathcote, 383; in-
sult the mayor, 383 ; of Connecticut,
pillage by, 357.
Sorel, 245, 246 ; post at, 248 ; 249 ; 250;
houses destroyed at, 250.
Sorel River, 2^5, 246 ; French force at
the mouth of, 248 ; 249.
South Amboy, 13a
South Bay, ambush at, 18; French at-
tack on expedition sent to, 20.
South Bay, disaster to party on scout
towards, 21.
South End, Boston, 120.
South River, 194, 195.
Souihwood, John, 542.
Sowers, Capt. Thomas, 67, 70, 71, 72,
73> 7S> Si> 82; wounded, 84; 85,
87; 92; 94; 95; 100; 105; no; 334,
336, 340, 360, 370, 523-
Spanish Kiver, colliery at, 174.
Sparke, Maj., 149*
574 INDEX.
Spencer's corps, 518. St. Augustine, repulse of Americans at,
Sphinx, French frigate, 180 ; British, 509.
428, 509. St. Ciiarles, compulsory allegiance to
Spotswood's corps, 518. England of the inhabitants of, 193,
Sproule, Lieut., 130, 464, 517, 534. 194; 525.
Spry, Lieut. William, 126, 127, 174, St. Christopher, returns for the parish
175. «76, 523. of, 195.
Spuyten Devil, Americans attack Ya- St. Clair, Sir John, 62, 372, 373.
gers* outpNOSt at, 512. St. Clair Lake, piniere on, 288, 2S9 ;
Squirrel, ship of war, 60, 152, 176. 29a
Staats Island, 70, Stephens, Mr., 92 ; Col., British Com-
St. Aim^, island of, 247. missioner of cartel, 484.
St. Albans, frigate, 502. Stephen, Gen Adam, 517, 518.
Stamp Act, disturbances at New York Sterling, Cap!., 84, 88, 97. 98, 99, loi,
about, 5 ; Gov. of Georgia enforces, 105 ; takes possession of Fort Char-
348 ; rumored repeal of, 355, 357, 359, tres, 344 ; 373.
362, 366 ; repeal of, 367, 368, 369 ; Stenton, British headquarters at, 460.
Connecticut committee to oppose, Stevens, Mr., 60, 98, 1 11 ; Capt., 65.
367 ; convention of clergy on repeal Stewart, Capt., 105 ; Lieut. Charles,
of; 368 ; repeal of, celebrated on 534 ; Mr., 347.
King's birthday, 371. Steyner, Michael, 539.
Stamps, expected arrival of the, 328, St. FamiUe, church of, 237.
arrival of, 335, 336 ; mob await, 336 ; St. Francois, compulsory allegiance to
secretly landed and deposited in the England of inhabitants of, 194, 242.
fort, 336; people, backgammon boxes St. Francis, island of, 244 ; French
and dice in mourning on account of, force at, 247 ; 248.
336 ; delivered 10 mayor and corpo- St. Francis River, 244.
ration, 338 ; excesses of populace St. George, Lieut., 100, 107.
on arrival of, 336-338; seized by St. George's Island, Halifax, 177.
Philadelphia populace, 342 ; guarded, St. Ignace, island of, 246, 247, 249 ;
343 ; proposition of people to Gover- parish of, 247.
nor concerning, 343 ; vessels with Stillwater, post at, 17, 31, 33, 34, 35,
clearings without, escape, 343 ; pro- 45, 47, 50, 77.
posal to burn in effigy the commander- Stirling, Capt., [81, 92, 104; Col.,
in-chief on account of, 344 ; where 137.
current, 346 ; for Connecticut in pos- Stirling Castle, frigate, 204 ; 205 ; 2c6 ;
session of Gov. Moore, 346, 355; 217.
more arrive and are lodged m City Stirling, Lord, opposes British at West-
Hall, 348 ; declarations of Gov. field, 424 ; a captain of regiment of,
Moore respecting, 349. killed, 446; 517.
Standish, Capt., 254, 388. Stitt, Mr., 62, 63.
St. Ange Guardien, investment of, 224 ; St. James, Westminater, London, par-
action at, 229, 230 ; post at, 230. ish of, 3.
St. Ange, M., commands I'ort Char- St. Joachim, post at, 230; destruction
tres, 332. of, 230; priest of killed and scalped,
Stanley, Maj., 486. 231.
St. Ann's, 191, 203. St. John's, battalion of La Sarre at,
St. Anne's Bay, 180. 18; British army move to, 103; 130;
St. Ann's, rapids of, 241. Island, 174, 175, 189, 190.
St. Anthoine, village of, 236. St. Joseph, Indians, 277.
Stanwix, Brigadier, 64. * St. Joseph, 290, 291.
Staples, one, a deserter, 93. St. Joseph La Baye, 299.
Staten Island, 121 ; British works on, St. Lawrence, Gulf of, 197.
artillery, and stores for, 427 ; British St. Lawrence River, British fleet, 19 ;
troops sent to, 503; 504; arrival of 88; expedition from Quebec south of,
exchanged Hessians at, 505 ; redoubt 117; 131, 195 ; expedition to Gaspar
on, 506. on, 198 ; Jeffries' chart of, 202 ; pilots
St. Augustin, Capt. John Montresor of, 203 ; list of Admiral Durell's fleet
attacks post at, 117; 236. in, 217.
INDEX.
575
St. Laurent, encampment of, 219 ;
parish of, 219.
St. Leger, Gen., 130.
St. Maiar, Island of, 198.
St. Mary's, town of, 157.
St. Mcdar, Capt., 180.
St. Michel's, compulsory allegiance to
England of the inhabitants of, 193;
194; 195-
Stobo, Capt. Robert, 100, 24a
Stobbor, Mr., 100.
Stock Fish Bay, 198.
Stone, Edward, 542.
Stony Point, 120.
Storms, severe, on Lake Erie, 312-317,
320.
Stoughton, Lieut., enters caveat for
lands, 356.
St. Peter's, compulsory allegiance to
England of inhabitants of, 194, 195.
St. Peter's Bay, 198.
St. Pierre Lake, 242, 246, 247,
248.
St. Paul's, bay, 205 , island of, 197 ;
village of, 216, destroyed, 229.
Strachey, Secretary of Peace Commis-
sion, sails for England, 494.
Stretchey, Capt., 72.
St. Roch, Basseville de, 222 ; faux-
bourg de, 222, fortification of, 233.
St. Therese, British descend to Mont-
real from, 252.
St. Thomas, compulsory allegiance to
England of inhabitants of, 195.
St. Vallier, compulsory allegiance to
England of inhabitants of, 194.
St. Vincent, M., 309.
Sud, River stu, 1 19.
Suilly, Mr., purchases annuities for
Col. James Montresor, 89.
Sullivan, Gen., 422.
Sullivan, Gen. John, 422; at Chad's
Ford, 447 ; at Newark, 448 ; occupa-
tion of Rhode Island by General La-
fayette and, 510; 517. 518.
Sutherland, Lieut., 483, 517.
Sutherland, frigate, 151, 158, 176, 204,
205, 209, 210, 213, 222.
Sutling house, 109.
Swan Tavern, ford at, 419.
Swede's Ford, 419, 454, 457.
Swift, ship of war, 485.
Swinney, one, news-carrier of Boston,
silenced by English butcher, 361.
Swit, Capt., 65.
Sylvester, Mr., a lawyer of New York,
393* 394.
Symonds, Nathan, 14.
Synes, Mr., 87.
Talbot's Island, 7, 126.
Tannare, Michel, 22.
Tappan Sea, 15.
Tappan, action near, 513.
Tarleton, CoL, 140.
Tarrant, Chas., 523.
Tarry town, 139.
Tartar, frigate, 428.
Tate, Anthony, a grand juror, captured
by British, 496.
Taws, Bart, 30 ; Basil, 41, 42.
Taylor, Gilchrist, 14, 70; Mr., 52.
Tea, destruction of, in Boston harbor,
532-
Tempestj great, 352, 402 ; encountered
by British fleet off Chesapeake Bay,
433 ; 438 ; on the Elk, 442.
Tenb— k, Mr., 333.
Tennessee Indians, 275.
Terrible, frigate, 175, 216.
Teynham, Kent, new gardens in, 4.
Thames, frigate, 478, 482.
Thanksgiving Day, 403.
Thesaurius, Hugo, 3.
Thistle Creek, 294.
Thomas, Capt., 495.
Thomas, James Montresor's servant,
66.
Thunder, bomb ship, 504.
Thurland Hall, 3.
Ticonderoga, disaster to party under
Col. Parker at, 22 ; works at, pro-
posed by Col. James Montresor, 65,
71 ; plan of, 65; plan of attack on,
75 ; embarkation on Lake George of
Gen. Amherst's army against the
French at, 82 ; capture of the French
lines before, 83 ; evacuation by the
French of, 84 ; New Hampshire regi-
ment leave, 84 ; 86, 99, 106, 108, 110,
130 ; attack by Gen. Abercrombie on,
253-
Tidcomb, Capt., 48.
Tinnicum Island, Little, 466.
Titmarsh, Jaret, 541.
Tonnant, le, French ship of war, 504.
Tony, one, 55, 57 ; ship-carpenter of
New York, 350.
Topsham (Maine), arrival of Capt. John
Muntresor's expedition at, 117; 524,
525.
Torment Meadows, Cape,. 206.
Toronto, 258 ; Indian chief of, 290.
Tower of London, 3, 125.
Townshend, Col., 72, 79; funeral
honors to, 84.
Townshend, Gen. George, surrender of
the town of Quebec to, 102 ; 1 16, 207,
216, 217, 219, 225, 226; Lord, 122;
576 INDEX.
head of the statue of George III. sent Tuscarora Indians, 275, 281, 282, 284 ;
to, 123; 127, 140, 389. village of, Bouquet's movement on,
Townshcnd, Gilbert, 523. 307.
Toye, Mr. , 14. Twelve Miles Island, halt of Bradstreet's
Trader's Landing, encampment of Brad- expedition at, 283.
street's army at, 279. Twiss, Engineer, 130, 144.
Trail, Capt., thanks in general orders Tyers, 254.
to, 477. Tyer, Lieut., 517.
Transports, British hay, burnt by Ameri- Tyler, a statuary, cuts view of Montreal
cans, 481. in stone for Lord Amherst's house,
Transports, New York, fleet of, 482 ; 390.
484.
^ aT S"^' Washington's headquarters u^j^^hill, Thomas, 542.
Tra^etse,' The, 206. Underwood, Sergt. 32.
'''!n^!r:!6' t^ ' «^^'^^^^'^' "^^^ &t Trmarit of British troops
Indians, 526, 531. cit
Tredruffin, 420, 454, 471. '°' 5"-
Tremble, Pointe au, Canadians assem-
ble at, 236; 237, 251. Vaillant, Le, French ship of war, 504.
Trent, frigate, 158, 176, 198, 200, 205, Valentine's Hill, affair at, 512.
206, 216. Vallaney, Ensign, 517.
Trenton, 66, 152. Vallans, Capt., sloop commanded by,
Tresor, James le, 3 ; James Gabriel 46.
le, 3. Valley Forge, British troops at, 455,
Trident, The, sloop of war, 499, 500, 456 ; riflemen under Gen. Morgan
501, 502. near, 497.
Trinity Church, N. Y., college oration Van Allen, Mr., coimcillor of Albany,
^* 367 ) services in, on repeal of 396.
stamp act, 368. Vanberger, Capt., of sloop Delancey,
Trois Sacs Kiviere des, 189. 70.
Trois Rivieres, M. Longueuil, governor Van Buren's, iii.
of, 241 ; 242, 243; convent near, 243 ; Vandewater's Height, 121.
Canadian troops from, 256. Vaness, John, 13 ; Mr., 75, 83.
Troops, strength of, on Bradstreet's ex- Vanesses, 109.
peaition, 306; Bradstreet's embark Van Fuser, Lewis, etc., 135.
on Lake Erie for Niagara, 311 ; Brad- Van^ard, frigate, 175, 217.
street's encamp near river au Roche, Van Holland t, Samuel Jan, 135.
312; billeting of, 373, 374; ytv- Vanhoosen, Egbert, 43.
enues for payment of, 377; British Van Horn, Mr., 14.
excursion of, from Philadelphia, 488, Van Orman's, 77, no.
489. Van Phister, Francis, 135.
Truce, flag of, 163, 166, 167, 239, 497, Van Schcick, T., 74.
500, 509, 511. Van Schaick, Mr., 92.
True Briton, merchantman, made a Van Slyck, Maj , 49, 51, 52, 53, 54.
man of war, 249, 250. Van Tassells', in.
Trumbull's Ford, British troops pass, Vanvort, Peter, 43.
449. Van Wyck, in.
Tuckahoe, action near, 513. Vanzant, Isaac, 43; Lybrandt, 43.
Tucker, Dean, 137; Frances, 5; Tho- Varennes, post at, attack and capture
mas, 5. of the, 252.
Turk's Head Tavern, American artillery Vaudreuil, Rigaud de M., attack on
at, 449 ; American wounded at, 452. Fort William Henry by French, Cana-
Turner, Mr., 17, 25,31, 46,47, 48,57, dians, and Indians under, 117; 21S,
58, S9» 69. 248, 525.
Turrcil, Mr., 53. Vaughan, Col., 355, 375; Maj. Gen.,
Turtle Bay, powder magazine and stores commands British line, 422; 511.
A^ 352 ; camp of Royal Artillery at, Vendersteerget, Capt., 180.
377, 384. Vengeance, despatches by the, 250.
INDEX.
577
Vermillion, Riviere dc, encampment of
Bradstreet's troops at, 283 ; 312, 322.
Verplank's, 15, 70.
Vessel, French, arrives at New York in
distress, 363 ; inspected, 364, 365.
Vessels with unstamped clearings escape,
343 ; of British expedition to the Elk
in distress, 435, 438 ; American, left
at Elk, 443 ; British, at Billingsport,
489; forage, arrive in Philadelphia,
489.
Victory, schooner, 255, 273, 279, 286,
290, 292, 305.
Vienna, 7.
Vigilant, frigate, 428, 466 ; rescues for-
agers of the 15th regiment. 500.
Villejoint, La Riviere de, encampment
of Bradstreet^s army at, 281, 282;
3171 322.
Villex, Mons., 109.
Virginia, 147 ; Acadians sent to, 196 ;
officer from, captured, 454 ; capes of,
French fleet off the, 503; regiment
of horse, 513.
Volunteers, British, of New York, at-
tack rebels 426.
Vonstretchett, Gerardus, 541.
Wabbogomigats, Indian chief, 290.
Wack, George, 541.
Waits Town, Vt., lands in, reserved by
Gov. Moore for his family, 357 ; 379.
Waldeckers, battalion of, at Amboy,
421.
Walker, Sir Hovenden, 401 ; troops of,
encamped on Noddle Island, 401;
Thomas, British engineer, 523.
Wallace, Admiral Sir James, rescues
schooner Alert, 481, 483; Lieut.,
121.
Wallingford, resolves of, 365.
Walsh, Col., 117.
Warburton's regiment, 160, 173, 177.
Warden, George, 541.
Warraden, Peter Van, 539.
Warren, The Admiral, 456.
Warren, burning of town of, 498.
Washington, Gen., 121, 130; British
commissioners with a cargo of pictures
of, 136; 137; at CorryclPs Ferry,
422 ; at Smith's Clove, 428 ; order of,
on expected attack by British at Wil-
mington, 45 1 ; headquarters of, 462 ;
postpones cartel, 48 1 ; 490; movement
of army under, 503, 504; leaves
White Plains, 513, 517.
Washington's Guards cut to pieces,
5>3-
Washington, American frigate, fired,
490.
Wassong, Ojibway chief, 283, 286, 288,
290 ; conspiracies of, 345.
Waterhouse, Capt., 54.
Waterman, Mr., court-martial and sen-
tence upon, 98, 102, 103 ; William,
109.
Watkins, James, a deserter, 89.
Watson, Henry, 523.
Wayne, Gen. Anthony, attacked by
^rey. 455; 5>8-
Webb, Ensign, of the 48th, 14; Maj.
Gen. Daniel, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23,
24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33, 38, 45,
46, 48, 50, 55, 56, 57, 59, Co, 62,
116, 389 ; Hannah, 98.
Webb's regiment, 177, 217.
Weedon, Gen. George, crosses the
Schuylkill, 469; 518.
Wechawken, 70.
Welburn, Eriel, Sergt., captured by the
British, 496.
Welch Fusileers, attack Americans, 444.
Wells, Sergt., 83.
Welsh, Col., 158.
Wemyss' Corps, attacks Americans,
445-
W tw h pays for lumber secretly
furnished British by loyalists, 483.
West, Maj., 97, 98, no.
West's, 66.
Westchester, levellers of, threats of,
361, 363; committee of, at King's
Bridge, 363 ; opposed by Sons of
Liberty, 363.
West Creek, saw mill and log house at,
83.
Westenong, Pottawatomies from, 290.
West Ferry, post at, 47.
Westfield, 130; British army at, 424.
West Gate Bastion, Louisbourg, 170,
173. 175-
West Indies, expedition of Gen. Grant
to the, 143.
Weston, Capt. George, 35, 45, 46, 48,
49» 5«» 53» 57, 5^, 60, 61, 62, 142,
i75» 176, 523.
Whales, one ashore at the Narrows,
386; white, observed, 201.
Wheeler, Ensign Thomas, 517, 534.
Wheelock, Capt., 95.
White Clay Creek, Americans at, 444,
447.
White Horse Tavern, 453.
White, Hugh, 109.
White Island, 201, 202.
White man,unscalped head of, on a stick,
Indians' sign of no thoroughfare, 307.
578
INDEX.
White Plains, American army at and
near, 507.
Whiting, Col. Nathaniel, 88, 89 ; Capt.
Samuel, 83.
Whiting's regiment, 78, 83.
Whitmore, Maj. Gen. Edward, 159; 163;
165 ; action of, at the Citadel Bas-
tion, Louisbourg, 165 ; 168 ; grena-
dier of, scalped, 208.
Whitmore's regiment, 177.
Whorekill road, British fleet at Lewis-
town, near, 501.
Whores Town, burned, 190.
Widows, the, 77.
Wilkins, Mr., no.
Wilkinson, Capt., 390.
Wiilagars, the, near Schenectady, 254.
Willard, Col. Abijah, 92.
Willard's regiment, 83, 105.
Willett, Mr., 68.
Willetfs, 53.
Williams, Chailes, Sons of Liberty visit
house of, 349; threatened with the
pillory, 350.
Williams, Capt. John, 11, 13, 14, 32,
34, 3S» 45. 46, 47, Sh 56, 57* 58, 61,
62, 63, 67, 70, 71, 73; wounded, 84,
85 ; 89, 92, 94, 95, 96, 99, 103, 108,
III, 323, 327, 365* 374, 523-
Williamson, Capt., 60, 62, 63, 64, 153,
160, 162, 175, 176, 228; Capt. S.,
156 ; Capt. Lieut. Adam, 523 ; Capt.-
Lieut. Thomas, 523 ; Col., 50, 59,
' 65, 144; Lieut., 47, 49, 218; Mr.,
23' 38, 45i 46, 48, 5«-
Willianouze, Capt., 59.
Willis, Capt., an American deserter,
452.
Willocks, Lieut, of Sixty-ninth Regi-
ment, 388.
Willymore, Capt., 64.
Wilmington, garrison at, 137 ; Seventy-
first British Regiment take possession
of, 451 ; American ordnance left at,
451 ; British detachment from, 467 ;
American deserters from, 492.
Wilmot, Capt., 83, 105.
Wilson, Gen. Sir Thomas, 477; Mr.,
99.
Winchelsea, frigate, 153.
Windsor, bomb-catch, 151.
Winne, Francis, carpenter, 43.
Winter Harbor, in Chesapeake Bay,
438.
Winthrop, John, Gov., heirs of, pro-
prietors of Governor*s Island, 401.
Wolf, Gen., profile likeness by John
Montresor of, 5 ; 65, 67 ; lands near
Quebec, 87. 88 ; raises batteries
against Quebec, 88; express from
L^ke George to, 88; unfavorable news
about, 95; death of, 102; 116, 159,
160; opens batteries, 161, 162; in-
cessant action between the French
and, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, i68;
170; movements of, 205, 207, 208,
210, 211, 212, 215; list of troops
under command of, 217 ; 218; redoubt
near Montmorency constructed by,
221 ; 2V^
Wolfe, scnooner, 245.
WoUwarth's Hessian brigade, 493.
Wood, William, 534, 538.
Woodbridge, 136.
Woodford, Gen. William, 518.
Wooster, Gen. David, 93.
Wooster*s Regiment, 83.
Worden, Capt., 34, 48.
Wraxall, Capt., 64; Mr., 30.
Wray, Capt., 47 ; Mr., commissary at
Albany, 332.
Wright, Leonard, 541 ; Lewis, 12.
Wrightson, Capt., 105, 106.
Wyandot Indians, 253, 275, 278, 301 ;
upper village of the, 311.
Wyhasser, Mr., 195.
Wyoming, British success at, 506 ;
capture and massacre at, 507.
Yellow Springs, the. Pa., 324.
Yonkcrs, 15, 70.
York, Capt., 67, 68.
York, frigate, 176.
York Provincials, 255 ; desertion of,
266 ; court martial of the command-
ing officer of the, 288.
Young, Col., 19, 23 ; reinforces Fort
William Henry, 25 ; 29.
Yverdun, 7.
Zebra, frigate, 509, 510.
Zele, Le, French ship of war, 504.
Zephyr, Le, French frigate, 1 80.
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